Stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods can trigger migraine attacks. Some people with migraines find that environmental conditions, including air quality, also affect their symptoms.
For people living with migraines, identifying the triggers that cause migraine episodes can be a useful way to minimize the disruptive nature of the disease.
In this article, we examine the role of migraine pollution, including how it can trigger attacks and what people can do to prevent them.
With the growing global population living in urban areas, there has been a growing interest in the effects of air pollution on human health, including migraine attacks.
Compared to other aspects of health, such as heart and lung disease, the role of pollution in migraine is less clear.
Researchers in Taiwan and South Korea found that higher levels of certain types of air pollutants — tiny pieces of chemicals called particles — were associated with an increase in the number of people who they sought medical attention for migraines, especially during warm periods.
However, the Taiwanese study found no link between airborne particle levels and migraines during cold weather days. The South Korean study also found that the association between migraine risk and particle levels was weaker on low-temperature days.
In contrast, a Boston-based study found that higher levels of air pollution were associated with a higher chance of getting a migraine headache only during the colder months: October through March.
However, this study specifically looked at the link between migraine and traffic-related gaseous pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and ozone, rather than particles.
These results suggest that while air pollution can trigger migraine attacks, this effect is likely to depend on both the type of air pollution and the temperature of the air.
The researchers did not directly examine the cause of the effects of temperature, but speculate that these are related to other factors that increase the likelihood of migraine episodes, such as humidity or air pressure.
Climate-related behaviors that affect a person’s exposure to pollutants, such as having their windows open or being outside, could also have an effect.
Can air pollution cause migraines?
Some research also suggests that exposure to gaseous air pollution may increase the likelihood of developing migraines in the first place.
In a 2021 study of more than 360,000 people in northern California, long-term exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide and methane was associated with a 2% and 4% higher chance of getting migraines. respectively.
Exposure to particles did not appear to increase the likelihood of developing migraines.
Although research on the role of pollution in migraine attacks is limited, some experts believe that oxidative stress may be to blame.
Oxidative stress occurs when reactive oxygen species accumulate in cells and the body’s antioxidant defense systems do not properly eliminate them. Oxidative stress causes chemical changes in the brain that can increase the sensitivity and excitability of neurons, which can lead to a migraine attack.
All major types of air pollutants, including particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, can cause oxidative stress, but there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between air pollution, oxidative stress, and air pollution. migraine.
Migraine experiences can vary, but there are some common trends in symptoms, triggers, and treatments. Previous studies suggest that while air pollution may contribute to migraine attacks, it is not the most common trigger.
If someone suspects that air pollution can trigger migraines, they can try to keep a headache diary to keep track of their migraine symptoms and possible triggers.
People can use services like the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow to monitor air quality and levels of various air pollutants, including ozone and particulate matter.
If air pollution seems to be a trigger, people can take steps to prevent a migraine attack:
- limiting your time outdoors
- keeping the windows closed
- using an air filter to improve indoor air quality
Up to a third of people with migraines believe that climate change or other environmental factors trigger some of their attacks, according to the American Migraine Foundation. Examples of other possible triggers for environmental migraine include:
- air pressure
- temperature
- ground
- strong winds
- humidity
Research exploring the connection between migraine and pollution is still limited. Much remains to be learned about the possible link, but some studies have found a connection between air pollution and migraine attacks.
Some people with migraines may find that their symptoms appear or worsen with exposure to high levels of air pollution, including both particulate matter and gaseous emissions.
For these people, monitoring air quality and taking steps to limit the time they spend outdoors can help prevent migraine attacks.
If migraine symptoms persist despite reduced exposure to pollution, other environmental triggers may be responsible. A headache diary can help a person keep track of their symptoms and triggers. It may be helpful to share this information with a healthcare professional when talking about the triggers for a migraine attack.