5 Odors That Can Cause Migraines and Medications to Treat Them
A migraine is a headache that can cause intense throbbing or a pulsing sensation in one area of the head, typically behind the forehead and eyes. Many people who experience migraines also have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Talk to your healthcare provider about pain management, several over the counter medications—such as Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin, and Motrin can help. Patients with chronic migraines may also be candidates for prescription migraine medication (i.e., Qulipta). Migraines are thought to be caused by changes in the brainstem and/or chemical imbalances in the brain. Some patients are more susceptible to migraines than others, and certain triggers, such as stress, bright lights, or the following strong odors can trigger an attack: 1. Cigarette smoke This is one of the most common triggers of migraines. The scent of tobacco smoke from cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and vape pens can be overwhelming enough to irritate the senses. In addition, smokers are often unaware of their habit’s effect on those around them. Secondhand smoke can be just as harmful as first hand smoke, triggering shortness of breath, coughing, asthma attacks, and migraines in people sensitive to smells. If you smoke, it’s important to be considerate of those around you, and if you’re trying to quit, several resources are available to help you.