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There
are almost a limitless number of possible triggers for migraine
attacks. One of the most mysterious, and hardest to control,
are fragrance triggers.Yet fragrant items and products are
one of the most common triggers for migraines.
While
fragrances can be quite beautiful, they're not always that for the
migraine sufferer. Sometimes it's impossible for them to escape
he aromas of colognes, perfumes and other products that might trigger
an attack. Making it even worse: More and more, these
fragrances attack you even at the workplace, restaurants and waiting
rooms. In fact, these fragrances seem to have crept into just
about every business and industry that you might possibly enter.
Colognes
and perfumes normally contain synthetic forms of fragrant chemicals
that you find in nature.And even though the source is different,
the result is normally the same. A person's olfactory system
can be likened to a busy highway, with aromas traveling throughout
the nervous system, to and from the brain.
A migraine
headache results from a change in the person's blood flow within
the vessels going to the brain. Substances found often in
fragrances often have the ability to alter the flow of the blood
in the brain. In fact, some studies have suggested that fragrances
might have a direct impact on the cerebral circulation, plus neurological
effects as well. There is even a possible effect on the person's
central nervous system.
What,
then, are the fragrances which might adversely affect your migraine
condition? Here are a few:
- Scened
antiperspirants or deodorants
- Scented
tan cream, sunscreen, scented lotions for hands, face or body
(Remember, even if it's not labeled scented, it might have a fragrance
that could affect you.)
- Aftershave
and some shaving lotions, especially if richly scented
- Liquid
or bar soaps that have been fragrance-enhanced. These include
Ivory, Dove, Dial and Soft Soap.
- Commercially
fragrant conditioners, shampoos, gels, hairsprays, and mousses.
- Various
hair products
- Any
cologne, perfume or fragrance
- Essential
oils
- Aromatherapy
products
- Laundry
detergents with chlorine bleach, phosphates, or added scents
- Items
that have recently been dry-cleaned.
- Cigarette
smoke
- Incense
smoke, whether unlit or burned
- Other
smoke
- Air
freshener solids or sprays, scented candles, and potpourri
Anyone
who suffers from migraine attacks and discovers his or her trigger
is a fragrance, expect to be inconvenienced with this during your
lifetime.Unfortunately, even just a short exposure to the particular
fragrance is sometimes enough to trigger an attack. It can
be a difficult battle staying away from a troublesome fragrance,
especially with no many different ones available at stores and being
worn in various public places. It's helpful to identify which
fragrance triggers your attack. You can do this by noting
throughout the day what strong fragrances you have detected, especially
concentrating on the list above.Then if you feel a migraine coming
on, consider which fragrances you've been exposed to and write it
down.
This
way, maybe you can avoid the fragrance.But even if not, if you
know you've been exposed, you can start taking preventative measures
to lessen the headache's severity, such as taking medication or
resting in a dark room. |