Why do certain smells give me a headache?

For example, in the case of strong odors, such as cologne and perfume, experts believe these odors, even if they’re otherwise pleasant, may cause a person’s blood vessels to swell and dilate and, in turn, stimulate the nerve system in the brain associated with head pain.

What smells cause tension headaches?

Specific odors known to trigger attacks include perfumes, cigarette smoke, motor vehicle exhaust and some cleaning products and foods. Another way in which smell is involved is through olfactory hallucinations during a migraine attack (OHM).

How do you get rid of fume headaches?

People can try many of these remedies right away, and some of them might help to prevent headaches in the future.

1. Water.
2. Cold compress.
3. Warm compress.
4. Remove any pressure on the head.
5. Turn down the lights.
6. Try some herbal tea.
7. Exercise.
8. Check for food intolerance.

What causes over sensitive smell?

Hyperosmia is an overwhelming sensitivity to smells. There are many reasons behind this change in smell. Some include genetics, hormone changes, and migraines. ‌If you have hyperosmia, your taste may also be affected.

What smell helps headaches?

Lavender essential oil is commonly used for stress relief and relaxation. There’s also strong evidence that lavender can help treat headaches and migraine. Breathing in the scent from lavender essential oil can help acute management of migraine attacks.

How do you overcome osmophobia?

Like any phobia, osmophobia that is unrelated to a medical condition generally responds well to a variety of therapeutic techniques. Systematic desensitization, in which you are gradually exposed to the feared scent, is particularly helpful. If your osmophobia is related to migraines, however, let your therapist know.

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.

Can migraines cause a heightened sense of smell?

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 causes headaches from smell?

Odors play a role in triggering migraines, and osmophobia (increased sensitivity to and intolerance to smells) is a common part of the migraine experience. Generally, chemical fumes such as cleaners and gasoline are those most likely to induce a migraine attack. During a migraine, many odors can be bothersome.

Can certain smells cause headache?

During a migraine, many odors can be bothersome. It isn’t quite clear why some people are more sensitive to noxious smells. But if you are predisposed to migraines, you are more likely to experience migraines and non-migrainous headaches when you are exposed to strong smells.

Could your perfume be giving you headaches?

This Is Why Perfume Gives You a Headache You’re experiencing sensory overload. First, you should pay attention to your environment and any factors that could be triggering a headache. The scent triggers unhappy memories. If you come across a fragrance that’s similar to the one your ex wore all the time or a perfume you weren’t a fan Know your allergies.

Why does perfume give me a headache?

“Fragrance is one of the most common triggers of migraines,” explains Carolyn Bernstein, neurologist at the Cambridge Health Alliance in Massachusetts. More concentrated scents hit your brain harder, so stick to light formulas (like a body splash) if you’re prone to pounders, she says.