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Are Your Headaches a Sign of Chemical Sensitivity?
Janelle Sorensen
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Researching headaches has given me a headache, which would likely be classified as a type of primary headache known as a tension headache. Did that sentence give you a headache? All jokes aside, headaches can manifest in a multitude of ways and are caused by a wide array of factors. In fact, headaches are so widespread that they are considered to be one of the most common ailments afflicting our modern society.
It's widely known that illness, allergies, and stress can all cause headaches. Certain foods, like caffeine and sugar, can cause headaches, too. Increasingly, it is becoming clear that chemicals in our environments can cause headaches, as well. Are yours a sign of chemical sensitivity? Read on to find out.
What is chemical sensitivity?
For the purposes of this article, chemical sensitivity is the symptom of feeling ill from odors - a physical reaction reported by approximately one-third of the population. There is also a much more serious syndrome of chemical sensitivity, called "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity" or "MCS." While a chemical sensitivity can manifest as sniffles, a sore throat, an upset stomach, or similar malady - here we are only focusing on headaches.
What is a chemical headache?
If your headaches occur after exposure to specific chemicals such as cleansers, fabric softeners, paint, varnish, or insect spray, you may be suffering from a chemical headache. A computer listing from the Hazardous Substance Data Bank reveals a data set of over 700 chemicals of diverse nature that may cause headaches.
In a report by CNN about surprising things that give you headaches, perfume is listed first. According to author, Alicia Potter, "Strong odors may activate the nose's nerve cells, which stimulate the nerve system associated with head pain. Ironically, the offending scents are often pleasant."
How can you avoid chemical headaches?
Potter makes the following recommendations:
"Avoid perfumes, strong household cleansers, fragranced soaps and shampoos, and air fresheners. That's a challenge when just about everything these days is 'Clothesline Clean' or 'Citrus Fresh,' but Bethany Hegedus, 35, a writer and receptionist from Brooklyn, New York does her best with unscented laundry detergent and deodorant, and wears no fragrances. At the office, she politely asks colleagues not to wear heavy perfumes."
Essentially, you need to get away from the source of the offending chemical. Step outside to get a breath of fresh air and, as some recommend, drink plenty of water to flush the toxins from your body. Take note of what you may have been exposed to prior to the headache, so you can try to pinpoint exactly what the chemical culprit may be. And, be sure to discuss your symptoms and concerns with your health care provider.
NOTE: If you suffer from an unusual headache that is different from anything you have ever experienced before, seek medical attention.
More comments:
Posted by DIANE on 03/03/2010 at 12:56 PM
I get migraines and a strong chemical scent can trigger one quickly. This is a good article. Helps to make one feel they are not alone. There are an amazing number of toxic chemicals in cleaners. The spot remover for the carpet is one of the worst! I have found that using all natural cleaners that a free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances really has helped with the frequency of my chemical headaches.