A migraine is a moderate to severe headache. Migraine symptoms may include nausea, blurred vision, light and sound sensitivity, and dizziness. Although once believed to be a vascular disorder, migraines are now thought to be a neurological disorder that can be triggered in a number of ways. Some suspected migraine triggers are flashing lights, dehydration, stress, loud sounds, medications, barometric pressure changes, chemical odors, certain foods, and cigarette smoke to name a few.

Some common odors that can trigger migraines are examined below:

1. Food smells

Certain food components and additives are believed to trigger migraines by causing the constriction or dilation of blood vessels. It is also believed that foods can cause changes in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which affects pain modulation.

2. Cleaning products

The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) often found in cleaning products can trigger migraines. Strong VOC odors can cause blood vessels to constrict or dilate which results in migraine head pain.

3. Cigarette smoke

The carbon monoxide found in cigarette smoke is thought to trigger migraines either by allergic reaction or changes in blood composition. Also, the nicotine found in cigarette smoke may be a migraine trigger. Nicotine is known to cause decreased blood flow to the brain which could result in a migraine.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol is believed to trigger migraines by changing levels of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin that are reacting in the brain’s pain center. These changes in neurotransmitters are thought to influence blood vessel functionality in the brain resulting in a migraine.

5. Perfume

Perfumes often contain a significant VOC content. It’s these VOCs that are thought to trigger migraines. Just as with VOCs found in cleaning products, the VOCs found in perfumes can cause constriction and dilation of blood vessels as well as stimulation of key neurotransmitters in the brain, thus resulting in a migraine.

Although it is not known exactly what causes migraines, neurotransmitters such as serotonin are thought to play a key role in causing the headaches. Changing levels of serotonin can cause the constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain resulting in pain. Certain odors can trigger these changes in serotonin levels. For this reason, it is best to avoid specific food, chemical, cigarette and perfume odors so as not to trigger a migraine.