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Smell Triggered Headaches

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Birdsboro, PA

Does anyone experience smell triggered headaches?? It's only certain smells. My fiancé had to switch from axe spray to old spice because every time he sprayed the axe one I'd get a sudden painful headache directly behind my right eye. They last approximately 10 minutes. I asked my boss, I work for an eye dr and he'd never heard anyone report these types of headaches.

December 21, 2015
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly confirmed that smell-triggered headaches are a common experience, particularly in response to strong fragrances like... Read more

Members overwhelmingly confirmed that smell-triggered headaches are a common experience, particularly in response to strong fragrances like Axe spray, perfumes, cleaning products, and bleach, with many describing pain behind the eyes and noting that switching to fragrance-free or natural products brought significant relief. Several members shared that their sensitivity is linked to fibromyalgia or chemical intolerance, explaining that fragrances can disrupt the nervous system, trigger stress memories that produce cortisol, or cause allergic reactions, with some managing symptoms through antihistamines, nasal sprays, or avoiding scented aisles altogether. A recurring theme was the validation and relief of realizing they were not alone or imagining their symptoms, with practical advice including gifting preferred milder scents to loved ones, limiting time in public spaces with heavy fragrances, and creating scent-free home environments.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Thank you all for sharing, it's nice to know I'm not crazy. Some days I feel like it's all in my head. That's probably weird

December 25, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

Yes I have exactly the same thing. I also have all year round allergies. It's a sensitivity to chemicals. I went to an allergy specialist as I became allergic to perfumes, air freshners, cleaning products etc and it was very severe. Pain behind the eyes, headaches,feeling hot and itchy etc. That's actually what lead them to diagnose me with fibro in that consultation. Stay away from strong chemicals, if you can't avoid them take some antihistamines as it is caused by an irritation in your nose. I also use a balm you get for allergies that you run inside the nose when I have to travel on public transport. Or a steroid nasal spray. I have no strong chemicals in my house and I haven't had an issue in months.

December 22, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I was looking at an answer above & so true on perfumes. Remember when they started putting pear in everything? That gagged me, made me ill & headaches galore. I use a lot of Hermés products & never have a problem anymore. Even bought some for my sig ot.

December 23, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I can't stand to walk down the pet food isle at the store,

December 22, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

Yeah I do with different smells, I suffer from chronic migraines. I have to watch what I use and so does my partner. My worst smell is bleach, honestly think that I am going to die when I smell it. It can send me into a migraine for at least 3 days plus x

December 22, 2015

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