Helena Joyce
Air pollution has been linked to migraine attacks, with some studies suggesting that exposure to air pollution may trigger migraines, particularly on high-temperature days. While there is a lack of evidence to support a direct relationship between air pollution, oxidative stress, and migraines, research indicates that air pollution, particularly gaseous air pollution, may increase the likelihood of developing migraines. Weather-associated behaviours that affect a person's exposure to pollutants, such as having the windows open or being outside, could also play a role in triggering migraine attacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can air pollution trigger migraine attacks? | Yes, but it is not the most common trigger. |
| What types of air pollution can trigger migraines? | All major types of air pollutants, including particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. |
| What other factors increase the likelihood of migraine episodes? | Humidity, air pressure, and air temperature. |
| What weather-associated behaviors can affect a person's exposure to pollutants? | Having the windows open or being outside. |
| Can exposure to air pollution increase the likelihood of developing migraines? | Yes, exposure to gaseous air pollution may increase the likelihood of developing migraines. |
What You'll Learn
- Air pollution may trigger migraine attacks, but the effect depends on the type of pollution and air temperature
- Gaseous air pollution may increase the likelihood of developing migraines
- Weather-associated behaviours, such as having the windows open, could affect migraine triggers
- There is a lack of evidence to support a direct relationship between air pollution, oxidative stress, and migraine
- Air pollution from the exhaust of cars burning fossil fuels is a growing problem in urban areas
Air pollution may trigger migraine attacks, but the effect depends on the type of pollution and air temperature
Although air pollution may trigger migraine attacks, the effect depends on the type of pollution and the air temperature. All major types of air pollutants, including particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, can cause oxidative stress. However, there is a lack of evidence to support a direct relationship between air pollution, oxidative stress, and migraines.
Some research suggests that exposure to gaseous air pollution may increase the likelihood of developing migraines in the first place. Weather-associated behaviours that affect a person's exposure to pollutants, such as having the windows open or being outside, could also have an effect. For example, a recent study from Japan linked flooding to an increase in acute migraine medication prescriptions, and there has been evidence linking the pollution from wildfire smoke in California to an increase in the number of headache complaints seen in emergency rooms.
As more and more people live in urban areas, air pollution from the exhaust of cars burning fossil fuels will become a bigger problem. If someone suspects that air pollution may be triggering their migraines, they can try keeping a headache journal to track their migraine symptoms and possible triggers. They can also use services such as AirNow from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to track air quality and the levels of various air pollutants, including ozone and particulate matter.
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Gaseous air pollution may increase the likelihood of developing migraines
Although air pollution is not the most common trigger for migraines, it may still contribute to migraine attacks. All of the major types of air pollutants, including both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, can cause oxidative stress. Research suggests that exposure to gaseous air pollution may increase the likelihood of developing migraines.
Weather changes are some of the most commonly reported migraine triggers. For example, a study from Japan linked flooding to an increase in acute migraine medication prescriptions. There is also evidence linking the pollution from wildfire smoke in California to an increase in the number of headache complaints seen in emergency rooms. As more and more people live in urban areas, air pollution from the exhaust of cars burning fossil fuels will become a bigger and bigger problem.
The effects of air pollution on migraines are likely dependent on both the type of air pollution and the air temperature. Weather-associated behaviours that affect a person’s exposure to pollutants, such as having the windows open or being outside, could also have an effect.
If someone suspects that air pollution may be triggering their migraines, they can try keeping a headache journal to track their migraine symptoms and the possible triggers. People can also use services such as AirNow from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to track air quality and the levels of various air pollutants, including ozone and particulate matter.
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Weather-associated behaviours, such as having the windows open, could affect migraine triggers
All major types of air pollutants, including particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, can cause oxidative stress. However, there is a lack of evidence to support a direct relationship between air pollution, oxidative stress, and migraines. While air pollution might contribute to migraine attacks, it is not the most common trigger.
If someone suspects that air pollution may be triggering their migraines, they can try keeping a headache journal to track their symptoms and possible triggers. People can also use services such as AirNow from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to track air quality and the levels of various air pollutants, including ozone and particulate matter.
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There is a lack of evidence to support a direct relationship between air pollution, oxidative stress, and migraine
All of the major types of air pollutants, including both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, can cause oxidative stress. However, there is no evidence to suggest that oxidative stress is directly linked to migraines. While air pollution might contribute to migraine attacks, it is not the most common trigger.
Some research also suggests that exposure to gaseous air pollution may increase the likelihood of developing migraines in the first place. For example, a recent study from Japan linked flooding to an increase in acute migraine medication prescriptions. There has also been evidence linking the pollution from wildfire smoke in California to an increase in the number of headache complaints seen in emergency rooms. As more and more people live in urban areas, air pollution from the exhaust of cars burning fossil fuels will become a bigger and bigger problem.
If someone suspects that air pollution may be triggering their migraines, they can try keeping a headache journal to track their migraine symptoms and the possible triggers. People can use services such as AirNow from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to track air quality and the levels of various air pollutants, including ozone and particulate matter.
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Research suggests that air pollution may trigger migraine attacks, especially on high-temperature days. All the major types of air pollutants, including particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, can cause oxidative stress. However, there is a lack of evidence to support a direct relationship between air pollution, oxidative stress and migraine.
Weather changes are among the most commonly reported migraine triggers. As more and more people live in urban areas, air pollution from the exhaust of cars burning fossil fuels will become a bigger and bigger problem.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution may trigger migraine attacks, but this is likely dependent on the type of air pollution and the air temperature.
All major types of air pollutants, including both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, can cause oxidative stress, which may trigger migraines.
You can keep a headache journal to track your migraine symptoms and possible triggers. You can also use services like AirNow from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to track air quality and the levels of various air pollutants.
Weather changes are among the most commonly reported migraine triggers. Natural disasters, such as flooding, and pollution from wildfire smoke have been linked to an increase in migraine attacks and headache complaints.
