Dehydration, stress and tension a three factors that give rise to headaches. But did you know that fragrances can worsen them too?
Despite their pleasant aroma, perfumes are often overlooked as a cause of headaches, according to Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP.
In an exclusive interview with the Express, the UK Care Guide expert explained: “Strong smells, including perfumes, can activate nerve pathways in the nose and brain, potentially leading to a headache.
“This can be particularly true for those who are sensitive to chemical compounds found in many fragrances. In the past, I’ve had patients who describe their headaches as migraines triggered by exposure to strong scents.
“These fragrances can cause a reaction in the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensations in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.”
Interestingly, Dr Cunningham’s views are supported by NHS guidance, which suggests that strong-smelling household cleaners, air fresheners, and even shampoos can cause headaches.
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“If you think housework is giving you a headache, you could be right,” the health authority advises. “Household cleaners, along with perfumes and fragranced air fresheners, contain chemicals that can bring on headaches.
“If you’re susceptible to headaches brought on by certain smells, avoid heavy perfumes and strong-smelling soaps, shampoos and conditioners. Use fragrance-free air fresheners and household cleaners, and keep your doors and windows open as much as possible at home. If a colleague’s perfume is bothering you, put a fan on your desk at work.”
Similarly, Dr Cunningham said that a ‘multi approach’ is required to prevent headaches. Strong perfumes can play a part, but numerous stressors can amplify the pain.
Aside from stress and dehydration, a lack of sleep and bruxism are among other factors. The latter refers to teeth grinding during sleep, which may give rise to both head and jaw pain.
“I always recommend maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a restful sleep environment,” Dr Cunningham added. “This can significantly reduce the frequency of headaches.
“Staying hydrated is equally crucial, as I’ve seen many headaches improve simply by ensuring adequate water intake throughout the day. For those prone to tension headaches, regular exercise and stress management techniques like yoga or meditation can be beneficial.
“I also suggest keeping a headache diary to help identify and avoid potential triggers. For pain relief, over-the-counter medications can be effective, but it’s essential to use them sparingly to avoid rebound headaches.”
