Migraines or headaches triggered by certain smells, such as perfume, smoke, car exhaust, chemical cleaners, or cooking odors, can be frustrating and disrupt your daily life. But there’s no reason to worry as there are treatments that can help alleviate any migraine or headache. Here are 5 treatments that can help stop headaches triggered by odors:

Use over-the-counter pills and pain relievers: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Excedrin can help reduce the pain caused by a headache. These medications work by reducing inflammation in the body, which can help reduce the pain.

1. Use a headache-specific medication
There are medications specifically designed to treat headaches, such as UBRELVY. These medications work by targeting the nerves that cause the pain associated with headaches. Talk to your doctor to see if this type of medication is right for you.

2. Use essential oils
Essential oils like lavender or peppermint can help reduce the symptoms of a headache triggered by an odor. These oils can be used in a diffuser or applied topically to the skin. Be sure to dilute the essential oil before applying it to the skin, and always follow the instructions on the label.

3. Relaxation techniques
Stress and tension can exacerbate headaches, so it’s important to find ways to relax and de-stress. Try techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help calm your body and reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches.

4. Avoid the odor or smell
The easiest way to stop a headache triggered by an odor is to avoid it altogether. If you know you have a sensitivity to a particular smell, try to avoid it as much as possible. For example, if you get headaches from strong perfume, try to stay away from areas where people are wearing it or ask them to not wear it around you.

If you are someone who frequently gets headaches triggered by odors and smells, then you know the main way to avoid a headache or migraine is by avoiding common headache triggers such as odors. Let’s take a closer look at each smell and why it tends to spur a headache:

Perfume: Strong perfumes contain a variety of chemicals that can irritate the nervous system, including the trigeminal nerve in the face and head. When this nerve is activated, it can cause pain and discomfort, leading to migraines or headaches.

Smoke: Smoke from cigarettes or other sources contains a mix of chemicals, including carbon monoxide, nicotine, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can irritate the lungs, eyes, and nasal passages, triggering migraines or headaches.

Car exhaust: Car exhaust contains a range of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Exposure to these pollutants can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to migraines or headaches.

Chemical cleaners: Many cleaning products contain chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, and fragrances that can irritate the respiratory system and trigger migraines or headaches in some people. These chemicals can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Food cooking: Cooking odors can stimulate the trigeminal nerve, leading to migraines or headaches in some people. Additionally, certain foods such as aged cheeses, chocolate, and wine contain natural compounds that can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals.

Headaches triggered by odors can be frustrating, but there are treatments available to help alleviate your symptoms. Talk to your doctor to find out which treatment option is right for you, whether it be over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Excedrin, headache-specific medications like UBRELVY, essential oils, or relaxation techniques.