A migraine headache is not just a regular headache, it’s a neurological disorder that is usually reoccurring and can cause severe, debilitating pain. The pain is usually isolated to one part of the head and can come on with a variety of other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to smell, light and sound. In addition to migraines coming on without warning, certain odors from everyday scents can trigger a migraine headache:

1. Air fresheners

Some air fresheners are simply too strong and could trigger a migraine for some people. People who suffer from chronic migraines should avoid these especially if they know it’s a trigger for them.

2. Cigarette smoke

This can be a trigger for migraine sufferers because cigarette smoke has a very distinct and pungent odor. Some migraine smokers dread having to come in contact with someone who smokes.

3. Cleaning chemicals and solutions

There are so many cleaning chemicals out there that have a very strong odor. Some manufactures overload their product with fragrance in order to mask the smell of the actual chemical. Most migraine sufferers avoid cleaning with harsh or strong smelling cleaning products since this could easily be a trigger for them.

4. Perfume and cologne

Just like cleaning products, perfume and cologne can be especially difficult for a migraine sufferer to endure. Many of these can have an overwhelming scent that is simply too strong for someone to breathe. Many people who suffer from migraines will not wear any type of perfume or body mist in order to prevent a migraine headache.

5. Candles

Most people would think that candles wouldn’t be strong enough to cause a migraine, however this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The reason so many people love them is because when they light just one it can fill the entire room with a light fragrance. Some people won’t notice the scent much since it’s usually very light, however a migraine sufferer who is sensitive to smells could surely smell it without a doubt. The problem with an entire room being filled with fragrance is that the person who gets chronic migraines would have to excuse themselves entirely from the room in order to escape the smell.

6. Food Odors

Most people love the smell of a nice meal cooking in the oven or on the stove, however for a migraine sufferer this could be the exact opposite. Just like perfume and chemicals, food smells can be quite overpowering. Especially something like bacon or onions, or a pot roast which seems to linger for hours even after it’s put away. This could be one of the hardest ones to avoid since many people cook at home or go out to eat at a restaurant which could have strong smells too.

Thankfully, doctors often prescribe chronic migraine medication treatment in order to treat the migraine while it’s happening and also to prevent migraines from occurring. For example, Nurtec migraine medication, which is a medication that treats and prevents migraines can help prevent them for up to 48 hours.