Migraines are an intense headache that is typically focused on one side of the head. Different from tension or cluster headaches, symptoms of migraines are a chronic pulsing sensation that is commonly accompanied by nausea and light and sound sensitivity, lasting up to three days. Migraines can be brought on by many different types of stimuli, or triggers, and normally start with a group of warning symptoms called an aura.

These symptoms can happen before and during a migraine and include visual disturbances, vomiting, facial tingling, loss of balance, and difficulty speaking. Migraine triggers can include diet, exercise, stress, or changes in sleep pattern, but strong smells can also increase incidents. Here are a few common smells that may trigger migraines:

1. Cigarette smoke

Both smoking cigarettes and inhaling the smoke affects those who experience migraines. Cigarettes and other nicotine containing substances alter the size of blood vessels throughout the body, especially in the brain. The growth of these vessels, along with an increase in blood pressure, can quickly bring on a headache. The smoke also can irritate the esophagus, entering the lungs, and bloodstream. For those who suffer migraines, this is just another reason to quit smoking and hanging around those who do.

2. Food odors

Some food smells stronger than others. Strong smelling spices like curry or cumin may lead to a good meal for some, but to those who have recurrent migraines, they can be disastrous. Not only can these foods set off migraines, but they can also exacerbate them. Garlic, onion, and other fragrant and aromatic additions to meals can be avoided if you think these may be a trigger for you. Though these types of triggers can be more difficult to avoid, being open about it with loved ones and coworkers, along with a dietary change, can be sufficient to avoid getting a migraine or making them worse.

3. Perfumes

Smelling like a rose may be a delight for some, but these harsh and slightly unnatural scents can trigger intense headaches for others. Perfume and migraines are commonly linked, and like the nicotine-containing cigarettes, some colognes and perfumes can dilate the blood vessels in our brains and trigger the pain. Some scents can cause allergic reactions in some people, which can cause watery eyes and a runny nose, in addition to headaches.

4. Cleaning chemicals

Cleaning supplies can be a migraine-triggering double whammy of strong fragrance and what are known as volatile organic compounds, VOCs. These compounds are the solvents and other irritants that do most of the cleaning. Not only can these products cause headaches while using them, but the scents and VOCs tend to linger in the air and on surfaces long after the cleaning is done. There are a great deal of unscented cleaning products that are recommended to migraine sufferers. Plus, DIY recipes that call for solutions with one or two ingredients that are probably already stocked at home.

5. Candles and air fresheners

Much like perfume, candles and air fresheners can be a good way to hide a not-so-nice scent. However, these can be a nightmare for the headache-prone. Not only containing irritating VOCs, but also the varying amounts of smoke from candles can be enough to bring on a migraine too. While under a migraine attack, sufferers also experience a heightened aversion to all strong cents, not just those that trigger the headache. Even if candles are a nice treat on a normal day, it may be good to avoid them during a migraine, as not to make it any worse. Candles and air fresheners can be easy enough to avoid at home, just be careful when visiting friends and relatives.