Cigarette smoking as a headache trigger? Absolutely. People who smoke cigarettes, cigars and pipes can be giving themselves and others around them a headache and not realize this bad habit can be triggering those headaches and migraines. Allot of people fail to connect the two. Second-hand smoke, odor sensitivity and allergies to smoke are known to cause headaches and migraines. But what is it exactly that can trigger a headache from smoking? The nicotine in tobacco stimulates vascular activity in the brain; the nicotine also constricts the blood vessels in the brain causes a headache or migraine. Smoking stimulates the ganglion nerves in the back of the throat which can cause headache pain. Smoking also causes high blood pressure and circulation problems which may trigger a headache or migraine.

We all know how hard it can be to stop smoking. Even with doctor intervention it can still be a huge challenge. Quitting smoking or even greatly reducing the amount you smoke can significantly reduce or even eliminate your headaches and migraines. Also, avoiding places that allow smoking indoors, like clubs and restaurants can be beneficial not only to your overall health but in preventing that headache trigger.
To find a list of smoke-free places in the United States and other countries, visit www.smokefreeworld.com. If you have friends or loved ones that smoke, ask them to not smoke around you. Have them step outdoors when they feel the need to smoke. Usually, people don’t mind especially if they know the cigarette smoke is a headache or migraine trigger for you.

Some smokers can even get caught in the vicious cycle of taking more over-the-counter medications for their headaches. Most of the over-the-counter medications contain high amounts of caffeine and caffeine is a huge headache and migraine trigger. For the average smoker it really can be as easy as quitting smoking to eliminate headache and migraine pain.

If you think your smoking habit could be connected to your headache and migraine suffering ask your doctor for any help or advice he or she may have in kicking the habit. Also, find a buddy that also wants to stop smoking and support each other in reaching your goals. In some areas there are even support groups, look around online for more information. With the right support you can kick the smoking habit and be healthier and headache free!