Stress, hormonal changes and certain types of foods can aggravate migraine attacks. Some migraine patients have noticed that environmental conditions such as air pollution can affect the symptoms of this disease. For people with migraine, identifying the triggers Migraine episodes can be considered a way to reduce the uncomfortable condition of the disease. In this article, we examine the role of pollution on migraine, how it causes the exacerbation of migraine attacks, and what is the role of people to prevent migraine headaches on days when air pollution is high. .

Air pollution and migraine attacks

With the increasing development of urban life in the world, the desire to be aware of the impact of pollution on human health, including migraine attacks, is increasing. The impact of air pollution on migraine, compared to other diseases, including lung and heart diseases. , not so clear. Research conducted in Taiwan and South Korea has shown that when certain pollutants in the air (a part of chemicals called suspended particles) reach their high levels, usually in the cold seasons of the year, the amount of referrals of migraine sufferers for treatment increases. he does.

In the research on Taiwan, they did not find a direct relationship between the amount of airborne particles and migraines on cold days of the year. Research from South Korea also showed that there is no strong correlation between the risk of migraine and low air temperature. In contrast, research from Boston showed that high levels of pollution increased the likelihood of migraine headaches only in the colder months of the year, from November to March. However, in these studies, rather than paying attention to suspended particles, they specifically focus on the relationship between gas pollution from traffic (such as carbon monoxide and ozone) and migraines.

The results of this research say that air pollution can cause migraines, but this issue depends on both the type of air pollution and the air temperature. The researchers did not directly test the cause of the effects of temperature, but they think that it can be caused by other factors such as Humidity and pressure increase the likelihood of migraine episodes. Seasonal behaviors that increase exposure to pollution also play a role, such as opening windows or going outside. .

Can air pollution cause migraines?

According to research, exposure to air pollution, above all, can increase the probability of developing migraine. According to a study conducted in 1400, with more than 360,000 participants, it was found that long-term exposure to High levels of nitrogen dioxide and methane increase the probability of migraine by 2% and 4%, respectively.

How does air pollution cause migraine attacks?

Although research on the role of air pollution in causing migraine attacks is limited, a group of experts believe that the cause of this problem is likely to be oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when reactive oxygen species accumulate in cells and the antioxidant defense system. The body cannot eliminate them completely. Oxidative stress causes chemical changes in the brain that can increase the sensitivity and excitability of neurons and cause migraine attacks. The main types of air pollution, including gas pollution and suspended particles, can cause the arrival of oxidative stress. But there is not much evidence that there is a direct relationship between pollution, oxidative stress and migraine.

Conquer your migraine triggers

If you also have migraine headaches, the first and most important step before visiting a headache doctor is to identify the factors that trigger your migraines. Migraine experience can be different. But the process of occurrence of symptoms, treatment and triggers are common. The above research indicates that although air pollution can cause migraine attacks, it is not the most common trigger. Therefore, in order to know and identify the triggers, go to See Migraine symptoms.

To know the current state of air quality in Tehran, you can visit https://airnow.tehran.ir.

If air pollution triggers migraine attacks, it can be prevented by following the following steps:

Managing the time to be spent outside the home.

Keep the windows closed.

Using air filters and air purifiers to improve indoor air quality

Other environmental triggers of migraine

According to the American Migraine Association, one third of migraine sufferers believe that changes in weather and other environmental factors can trigger a number of migraine attacks.

Examples of other environmental migraine triggers:

air pressure

temperature

Sunlight

severe wind

humidity

Summary

So far, little research has been done on the relationship between pollution and migraines. Although there is still a lot of education needed, few studies acknowledge the relationship between air pollution and migraines. A number of people with migraines believe that exposure to high levels of air pollution, including particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, causes or worsens their symptoms. For this group of people, checking the air quality and limiting the number of hours spent outdoors can help prevent migraine attacks.

If your migraine symptoms remain despite reducing exposure to pollution, then the cause can be other environmental triggers. Tehran headache clinic can help people to get the necessary information about migraine symptoms and triggers.

This information can be helpful when consulting a headache doctor about migraine triggers.