A migraine is a severe headache that typically affects only one side of the head, and the symptoms are nausea, dizziness, or light sensitivity. For those who suffer from migraines daily, specific triggers such as loud noises, certain smells, or even bright lights can exacerbate an attack. They can be debilitating and cause a lot of pain for those who suffer from them regularly.

Along with weather, allergies, and certain foods, these common smells may also trigger migraines:

1. Cigarette smoke

The smell can trigger a migraine in some people. Chemicals found in cigarettes, such as carbon monoxide and tar, have been known to cause blood vessel constriction, leading to migraines. It all depends on how much exposure you have had in the past and your sensitivity level, determining whether smoking triggers migraines. The more you’re around them, or if one gets too close, it can increase your chances of having an attack. Even if you’re around somebody who’s smoking, it may be enough to trigger an attack, so staying away from cigarettes and smokers can help alleviate the problem. Avoiding cigarette smoke can reduce your chances of having a migraine.

2. Food odors

Certain food odors like fried foods, microwave popcorn, and even cooking smells can trigger migraines for some people. The scent of these types of food contains certain chemicals known to cause vasodilation or blood vessel dilation, leading to increased pressure in your head followed by a migraine attack. It also depends on how much exposure you have had and whether it’s something new versus an old favorite scent. If you’re around somebody who’s eating one of those particular foods or if someone cooks them nearby, this may be enough to make you sick, so avoiding them altogether might help reduce the frequency at times when they do come up for others with sensitivities too.

3. Perfumes and fragrances

Colognes and perfumes contain all kinds of chemicals, which can irritate the senses for some, so using them might trigger migraines. People with sensitivities may have a higher chance of having an attack because not only do they contain perfumes, but other ingredients will cause allergic reactions and irritations in your body. These include musk, cedarwood oil, birch tar or resin, clove leaf oil, rosemary oil extract, to name a few out of many possible ones found in most perfume brands on the market today. If this is the case for you, then avoiding them altogether will be best, especially if it’s something new that was just put on recently.

4. Cleaning chemicals

The chemicals in cleaning products are known to cause migraines for some people. This is because they contain different fumes, which can be irritating, especially when it’s something new you’re exposed to daily. If this is the case, then stay away from them altogether if possible or use an alternative that doesn’t have these particular ingredients, so you don’t suffer as much with your attacks.

5. Candles or air fresheners

Candles or air fresheners can trigger migraines for some people. This is because they contain chemicals such as paraffin wax, limonene, a citrus scent found in many candles, and even artificial scents meant to mimic the smell of fruit, to name a few out of many possible ones found in most brands on the market today. If this is the case, then avoiding them altogether will be best, especially if it’s something new that was recently put into your home.