For many patients suffering from migraines, odors play a key role in the re-occurrence of pain. Heightened sensitivity to different scents is a common symptom of migraine headaches. Some research aims to seek answers about why intense odors trigger worse migraines. For instance, certain odors tend to trigger migraines, and that scent can trigger an aura, which usually comes prior to a migraine. The research that has been conducted is so far inconclusive.
Yet, the following odors are problematic to people who suffer from migraines:

1. Cigarette smoke
When someone with migraines comes across the scent from a cigarette, they may suffer from a migraine attack. The main issue is that their sense of smell is somewhat heightened. The smoke from a cigarette is also toxic, and the migraine attack is the body’s response when a person with migraines inhales such fumes.

2. Food odors
Certain strong odors trigger migraine attacks. Some of these foods include chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine. Other foods include salami and cheese.

3. Perfumes
If you suffer from migraines, you’ll acknowledge that your sense of smell is stronger such that perfumes with a strong scent can easily trigger an attack. The odor from the perfume is somewhat toxic, and the attack is your body’s way of responding to such an issue.

4. Cleaning chemicals
The odor from cleaning chemicals can be hazardous, and they can trigger a migraine attack. It is advisable always to wear a gas mask when using such chemicals.

5. Candles or air fresheners
Migraines act as a pain response to certain odors that invade the immune system. The scent of air fresheners and candles can tip off a migraine attack. It’s the body’s way of reacting to such stimuli.

The data will vary; however, clinical reports showcase that 25 to 50 percent of people suffering from migraines usually suffer from a heightened sensitivity to some of the odors mentioned above when they get migraine headaches. The strong scents usually trigger acute migraine attacks.
Specific odors usually lead to migraines, and they vary from one individual to another. However, with regard to odors, the extra sensitivity is because of the increased activation of the pain receptors in the brain and specific scents. Although more studies are set to be carried out on the full mechanism responsible for the odors causing migraines, there are areas in the brain that usually process scents, including regions involved directly in pain perception and migraine headaches.
The migraine aura usually appears infrequently and as a visual disturbance. The migraine aura usually takes the form of olfactory hallucinations. In other words, you may end up smelling something that’s not really there. Such a type of aura never occurs often. It actually appears for less than one percent of the people suffering from migraines. Reports of such a sensation include identifiable and specific scents, including cigar or wood smoke, fish tanks, burnt plastic, food odors, or cat food.
The best way to determine whether certain odors are a symptom of migraines or a trigger for you is to keep a diary or journal about your migraines and share it with the physician.