SYMPTOM
It's that queasy, sick feeling you get in your stomach when you smell perfume. Strong scents can often trigger a sensitive gag reflex or even migraines in some people, and it can sometimes be an early sign of pregnancy.
For general awareness only. This is not medical advice. If symptoms are severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 8 causes
Olfactory hyperreactivity
Your nose's scent receptors are extra sensitive. Certain perfume chemicals overstimulate them, sending a strong signal to your brain that makes you feel sick.
Migraine olfactory trigger
Strong smells are a common trigger for migraines in susceptible people. The scent activates pathways in your brain that could lead to nausea, often before a headache starts.
Trigeminal nerve stimulation
Perfume molecules could irritate nerves in your nose. This irritation sends signals to your brain that trigger a reflex reaction, including nausea.
Pregnancy-related smell sensitivity
Hormonal changes during pregnancy heighten your sense of smell. This makes everyday odors, like perfumes, more intense and likely to cause nausea.
Autonomic nervous system activation
Certain scents could directly activate the part of your nervous system controlling involuntary functions. This could cause a sudden drop in blood pressure or gut changes, which leads to nausea.
Chemosensory irritation reflex
The chemicals in perfumes could be irritants to your nasal lining. Your body may react to this perceived irritation by triggering nausea as a protective measure.
Vestibular system modulation
Strong smells could indirectly affect brain areas linked to balance. This disruption could lead to feelings of dizziness or nausea.
Conditioned nausea response
If you've previously felt nauseous after smelling perfume, your brain might learn to associate the scent with sickness. The smell alone could then trigger a conditioned nausea.