Anyone who has suffered through a migraine can tell you that they are terrible and ought to be avoided if at all possible. Most people are lucky enough to only experience a few migraines throughout their lives. If you are one of the unlucky ones who suffer from frequent migraines then you understand how debilitating they can be. Migraines can come on quickly and at times with no warning.

Most migraines begin with a slight headache combined with any number of symptoms such as light sensitivity, dizziness, nausea and even vomiting. Painkillers and caffeine can help a migraine once it comes on, but all too often a migraine can still have the power to knock you off your feet for an entire day. Because of this it is important to be aware of what can trigger a migraine. Stress and lack of sleep are common triggers, but something that might surprise you to hear that certain smells can trigger a migraine:

1. Cigarette smoke
Recent research has shown a strong correlation between people who smoke five cigarettes per day and migraines. This could be due to the smell or to the nicotine and tar that is found in cigarettes. Either way, if you are a smoker who is suffering from frequent migraines you might try cutting back to see if that helps you to feel better.

2. Cleaning products
Many people have reported fumes from certain cleaning products contributing to headaches and even migraines. Anyone who is already sensitive to smells are probably especially prone to side effects from chemical odors. Some common cleaners that have been reported to contribute to migraines are bleach, rug cleaning chemicals, and aerosol sprays. If you find yourself getting headaches when you clean you might try finding alternatives that don’t have as strong of an odor; or be sure to turn on a fan or open a window when using chemicals to help the smell dissipate more quickly.

3. Vehicle exhaust
One smell that can cause headaches is car exhaust. This is most likely due to the fact that the carbon monoxide in vehicle exhaust causes the blood vessels to dilate—thus bringing on a headache which can easily turn into a migraine.

4. Perfumes
Similar to vehicle exhaust, certain perfumes can cause the blood vessels to dilate and bring about a headache. Increased exposure can take this headache to a full-blown migraine. While this can certainly be more noticeable for unpleasant smelling perfumes, it is also possible with any strong-smelling scent. Strong odors such as perfumes can also overstimulate your senses and lead to a migraine.

5. Food smells
Since it has been shown that strong odors can cause the blood vessels in your head to dilate and lead to a migraine, it makes sense that food smells can also fall into that category. Food that is particularly pungent or overbearing can bring on a headache or migraine.

The best way to avoid smells triggering a migraine is to be aware of what smells can trigger your migraines and try to avoid them. Use products or cook in a well-ventilated room and keep fans handy to aid in clearing out strong odors. Keep caffeinated pain killers on hand as caffeine can help alleviate migraine pain caused by dilated blood vessels.