Migraines are a type of headaches that can recur regularly. They usually cause mild to intense pain with a feeling of throbbing and pulsing on one side of the head. Migraines are caused by nerves that send pain signals into the brain and the surrounding vessels, causing the headaches. Migraine symptoms include the throbbing headaches, which are usually mild pain; if untreated, migraines can become severe, leading to a lot of pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting.

Most migraines last for about four hours, and they recede, but some go for up to three days. Migraines are usually made worse by physical activity, so one is advised to lie down in a dark room for a few hours until it gets better. There are many triggers for migraines; stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, hunger, and certain odors. Particular odors that can cause migraines to some people include:

1. Cigarette smoke
Both active and passive cigarette smoke might cause migraines to some people. Cigarette smoke can cause migraines in several ways; cigarette smoke contains a lot of carbon monoxide; this compound is highly dangerous and, in small quantities, causes a reduction of oxygen in the brain hence causing migraines. The second reason is that some people are allergic to the smell of nicotine, which irritates their noses, therefore triggering a migraine. Avoid places where you can get exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke to stop the migraines.

2. Food odors
Particular food smells cause migraines to many people. Some people have an acute sense of smell, and anything can become a trigger for migraines, especially food like onions, garlic, spicy Asian style curries, and even the smell of burning food. When migraines like these happen, counter the smell using lighter scents like peppermint or menthol. They are known to alleviate the migraines within a short time.

3. Perfumes
A good percent of people experience perfume related migraines and headaches. Nowadays, most perfumes contain strong chemicals, which irritates when detected by the nose, causing a chain event that leads to a migraine. When the nose gets irritated, it sends direct signals to the brain’s blood vessels, which starts to expand and contract, causing the throbbing effect we call migraines. The solution is to find a mild scent that suits you and avoid the strong perfumes as much as possible.

4. Cleaning chemicals
Most of the usual household and industrial cleaning products consist of chemicals that release toxic gases when used. These gases tend to irritate the mucous membranes located in the nose, throat, and eyes hence triggering a migraine headache. Cleaning products also have powerful odors passed directly into the brain, causing blood vessels to expand and contract, thus causing a migraine. To control the triggers, you need to find alternative cleaning products that do not contain the toxic chemicals or if you have to use them, do it in a well-ventilated room to enhance clean airflow.

5. Candles and air fresheners
Scented candles, Air fresheners, car fresheners, and most scented products can cause people with allergic disorders to experience intense and severe migraines. Most of these products contain potent chemicals like petroleum and formaldehyde; these are known triggers for migraines and headaches. The solution is to find natural organic scents if you are experiencing symptoms of migraine. You can buy organic handmade candles with no chemical additives, make natural air fresheners using natural products like flowers and herbs for your home or car, and keep away from places and scents that trigger your migraines.