Fragrance is present everywhere, in car, home, office, gym and even on clothes. In such a situation, for people whose brain is sensitive to strong fragrances, this daily exposure can increase the problem. Have you ever felt that your head starts getting heavy as soon as you smell someone’s strong perfume? You feel dizzy as soon as you go to the mall or the smell of strong deodorant at a wedding triggers a headache. Often we ignore it considering it to be normal fatigue, hunger or the effect of weather, but the question arises in the minds of some people that can strong perfume trigger headache or migraine? Let us know about this in detail.
Can fragrance really cause migraines?
Research suggests that strong smells (e.g. perfumes, deodorants, incense sticks, cleaning chemicals) can be a trigger in about 30–50% of cases in people with migraine. Migraine is not just a normal headache, but it is a neurological (nervous system related) problem. In this, the nerves and chemical signals of the brain become more sensitive. Strong odors can irritate these nerves, causing throbbing pain on one side of the head, nausea or vomiting, discomfort with light and sound, and dizziness.
Why does this happen
Our sense of smell (olfactory system) is directly connected to the part of the brain that controls emotions and processes pain. This system becomes more sensitive in people with migraine. Strong fragrance overstimulates the nerves of the brain. Can activate the trigeminal nerve (main nerve of the face and head). Can release chemicals associated with inflammation and pain. Due to this reason, the head may become heavy, pain may start or you may start feeling dizzy.
Not just migraine, normal headache can also occur. It is not necessary that migraine occurs every time. with strong aroma
- tension headache
- sinus irritation
- allergic reaction
- eye irritation
- discomfort in breathing
Which places cause more problems?
- mall or cosmetic store
- wedding/party
- gym
- office where room freshener works
- Hanging Fragrance in Car
- Because at these places different fragrances combine and become more intense.
What to do if fragrance causes headache?
- Keep distance from crowded and smelly places.
- Choose “Fragrance-free” products.
- Use light or natural fragrance at home.
- If migraine occurs frequently then consult a neurologist.
- Keep a trigger diary – when, where and what smell caused the problem.
When is it necessary to see a doctor?
- Migraine attacks several times a month.
- Vomiting with headache, blurred vision.
- Do not get relief even after taking medicine.
- Sudden severe headache.
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