Fumes Can Trigger Migraines And Headaches

Those who suffer headaches triggered by fumes don’t have an easy life considering how many fume creating sources there are in the world today. Whether it’s smoke, fumes from new fabrics or industrial fumes that trigger your migraines, there are plenty of opportunities to bring on pain. Here are some ways to avoid fumes and also help track down the sources of these pain causing odors.

Along with outdoor fumes, there are also a variety of indoor fumes that can trigger headaches. A few of the fumes commonly found inside homes include:

• Tobacco smoke
• Perfume
• Oven fumes
• Insect sprays
• Cleaning products
• Paint
• Flowers
• The smell of a new car
• The smell of a new carpet

Solvents:
• Turpentine
• Thinners
• Acetone

At any time, any one of these fumes could be lurking, waiting to cause you the miserable pain of a migraine.

Why Fumes Cause Headaches

Fumes basically cause headaches because of their irritating nature. These fumes contain toxins that irritate the delicate lining of the nose, throat and chest. As a result of this irritation, the blood vessels in the nose enlarge and press on the surrounding nerves, resulting in the pain of a headache.

When Bad Smells are Good

This headache reaction when a person comes in contact with an irritating fume is actually a self preservation mechanism on the body’s part. These unpleasant odors are a warning signal that something, such as rotten meat or sour milk, isn’t good for you. In the same way, the headache you get from fumes also serves as a warning. Your body is basically letting you know that the particular substance is not good for you and that you should avoid it quickly.

Carbon Monoxide, the Silent Killer

One cause of frequent headaches that you may not even be aware of is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a clear, odorless gas. There is basically nothing to warn you it is in your home. In addition to causing headaches, carbon monoxide poisoning can also be deadly if it is not caught in time. To ensure the safety of your family, have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home right away.

Other Things You Should Do

If you notice you get headaches while at home that goes away when you are not at home, check the following list to see if you suffer from any of the other symptoms listed. If so, you should take action immediately as these symptoms may be a sign of a dangerous poisoning. These symptoms include:

• Tiredness
• Muscle pains
• Upset stomach
• General lethargy
• Dizziness
• Unexplained illness

If you suffer any or all of the above symptoms, the following are suggestions to see what your source of fumes may be:

• First, check the pilot flame on your gas range appliances. If this flame is an orange color it indicates you have a major problem, you should contact your gas provider immediately to have your gas disconnected until the problem is corrected. While an orange flame is definitely bad, a blue flame does not mean that your gas is entirely safe either. It is always a good idea to have all of your gas appliances checked annually.

• Check to see if your fireplace or stove flue is blocked. If you are not sure how to do this, call a professional.

• If you own a horizontal gas grill, this can pose a potential fume problem, particularly if you have an older model. Have it checked by a professional to be sure it is safe.

• Check to be sure your home has proper ventilation by inspecting both air bricks and trickle vents. Not having enough ventilation means that carbon monoxide can be given off by your appliances and trapped inside your home.

If you are renting your home instead of buying, make sure that your landlord gives you a safety certificate and that he has the appliances checked annually. If your landlord does not do these things, let him know that he is required to do so by law. If you are a landlord, know that you are liable if one of your renters becomes ill or dies as a result of your negligence. If so, you can be face jail time for this crime.

Conclusion

If you suffer migraines that are triggered by fumes this can actually be a sign you have dangerous and perhaps even deadly fumes inside your home. In order to find the sources of these fumes, it is a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home as well as having a professional check out all of your gas appliances at least once yearly. While headaches triggered by fumes are not pleasant, they can save your life if they help you correct a dangerous situation.