Migraine is a recurring type of headache which can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, impacts the lives and daily activities of millions of people annually. Sufferers are often left incapacitated by the symptoms of migraines which may include an intense throbbing that is generally centered in one part of the brain and unable to perform simple functions. The debilitating pain that accompanies migraines makes it crucial for those prone to episodes to recognize triggers.

One of the more common types of triggers are different odors, or osmophobia. Nearly half of all migraine sufferers report premonitory symptoms related to smell. Here are a few examples of scents to avoid in order to decrease the chances of triggering a migraine:

1. Food odors
During the prodromal, or first, phase of a migraine it has been reported that a strong aversion to the scent of raw food may occur. Also, certain odors of cooked food may become repellent. Migraine sufferers have even reported a scent of food on their hands and person when not around food. When this sensation occurs, it’s best to try and change the environment to either eliminate the offending smell of food or at least lessen its impact. It is a good idea to either go outside or open a window and get fresh air to try and head off a full-blown migraine attack.

2. Cleaning agents
Common products used for cleaning can trigger migraines. These cleaning agents may release gases into the air, or chemicals referred to as volatile organic compounds. These may irritate the olfactory bulb and lead to the onset of a migraine. Some cleaning products to avoid include solvents such as paint strippers, detergents such as bleach and dishwashing liquids, and specialized household cleaning solutions for rug and upholstery cleaning.

3. Cigarette smoke
Cigarette smoke is another scent that can cause migraines. The inhalation of secondhand smoke can also be a common trigger since the nicotine in cigarettes is a vasoactive substance, meaning it can change the size of the blood vessels in your brain. The smoke is also an irritant of the nose and throat and can activate pain and scent receptors in the brain.

4. Alcohol
Sometimes if alcohol has a strong smell it can overwhelm brain passages and momentarily deprive the brain of oxygen. This temporary blockage may not cause any lasting damage, but it can lead to painful migraines. For this reason any type of alcohol with a strong scent is advised to be avoided as a possible trigger for migraines.

5. Perfumes
Even though perfumes or colognes may have a pleasant scent, certain scent notes in the perfume can cause the blood vessels in the brain to either expand. Migraine sufferers should pay attention to which perfumes trigger attacks so that they can narrow the individual scents down and avoid them.

When dealing with the painful symptoms of migraines on a regular basis, these common scent triggers should be strongly considered as factors to avoid as often as possible.