Why can perfume cause a headache? Fragrances contain a variety of chemicals to achieve a specific scent. When inhaled, the
chemicals irritate your sinuses and can cause your sinuses to swell
. Your sinuses do not drain properly once they are swollen and the resulting pressure build-up can cause a headache.
Can scents cause headaches?
Data varies, but clinical studies report that anywhere
between 25 and 50 percent of migraine sufferers
experience a heightened sensitivity to odors during their migraine headaches, and up to 50 percent report that strong smells or odors can trigger acute migraine attacks.
What chemical in perfume causes headaches?
VOCs
are gases that have both short- and long-term health ill-effects, including dizziness, fatigue, headaches and an allergic skin reaction, says the US Environmental Protection Agency.
What causes fragrance sensitivity?
The potential for exposure can be high as fragrances are added to of everyday products, and there has been an increase in the amount of time spent in indoor environments. Those with
asthma, allergies
, or other respiratory disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of fragranced products.
What scents trigger migraines?
During migraine episodes,
cigarette smoke, food odors, and scents such as perfume
were found to be the most frequently offending smells. One study concluded that people with migraine and osmophobia were more likely to exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression.
How do you stop scent headaches?
Taking an over-the-counter medication,
such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
, is often a popular solution. If your headache is caused by a powerful scent, it may also be an option to remove yourself from the offending odor.
What is the most frequent type of headache?
Tension headaches
are the most common type of headache. Stress and muscle tension are thought to play a role, as are genetics and environment. Symptoms usually include moderate pain on or around both sides of the head, and/or pain in the back of the head and neck.
Why do fragrances make me sick?
The physiological aspect may have something to do with irritation of the mucous membranes in our noses (cigarette smoke is a common culprit) and also what’s happening in the brain. “
Fragrances can trigger certain pathways that stimulate what’s called the vomit center
,” says Dr.
Is fragrance sensitivity a disability?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not contain a list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, the ADA has a general definition of disability that each person must meet. Therefore,
some people with fragrance sensitivity will have a disability under the ADA
, and some will not.
What is Osmophobia?
Introduction. Osmophobia is the
medical term for fear, dislike or aversion to smell or odors
. Intolerance to smell is often reported by migraine patients; despite this, the relationship between osmophobia and headaches has not been investigated in depth.
How can I overcome fragrance sensitivity?
Preventing and Treating Fragrance Sensitivities
Nasal antihistamine and nasal corticosteroid medications
can effectively control allergy symptoms caused by these sensitivities. But the best medicine is really an ounce of prevention — and that means keeping all fragrances off yourself and out of your environment.
How can I get over fragrance sensitivity?
- Try to avoid common areas where people wearing perfume may walk by and trigger your allergies or sensitivities.
- Keep a small air purifier near your workspace to help keep your air free of airborne proteins that can trigger your symptoms.
How common is fragrance allergy?
Fragrance allergy is common and is believed to affect
around 1% of adults
[1]. Rates in children and adolescents are around 1.8%. Fragrance allergy is second only to nickel allergy as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
How do you get rid of fume headaches?
- Water. …
- Cold compress. …
- Warm compress. …
- Remove any pressure on the head. …
- Turn down the lights. …
- Try some herbal tea. …
- Exercise. …
- Check for food intolerance.
What are foods that trigger migraines?
- Baked goods with yeast, such as sourdough bread, bagels, doughnuts, and coffee cake.
- Chocolate.
- Cultured dairy products (like yogurt and kefir)
- Fruits or juices such as citrus fruits, dried fruits, bananas, raspberries, red plums, papayas, passion fruit, figs, dates, and avocados.
What food makes migraines worse?
Despite the lack of science, the most common foods and drinks reported to be potential headache triggers include:
Aged cheese
(blue cheese, brie, cheddar, English stilton, feta, gorgonzola, mozzarella, muenster, parmesan, swiss)
