As climate change increases, how often we deal with heat waves and pollution, it’s important to consider these risk factors when it comes to migraines, the researchers wrote.
Why do these factors increase the risk of migraine?
It is important to note that the study did not prove that air pollution, heat and lower humidity they migraine – he just found a connection between them. But doctors say there’s probably something here.
Air pollution can trigger neuroinflammation (the immune system’s inflammatory response in the brain and spinal cord), which is a risk factor for migraines. Sana Ghafoor, MDneurologist at Tufts Medical Center tells SELF. This can cause the release of pain-relieving substances such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P, which can lead to migraines, Dr. Ghafoor says.
Air pollution can be especially problematic for allergy sufferers who also struggle with migraines, Clifford Segil, DOneurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, tells SELF. The body can see air pollution as an allergen and trigger an immune response that can trigger migraines in people who are sensitive to this trigger, he explains.
Then there’s the fact that heat can affect blood vessels and nerves. “When people get hot, nerves and blood vessels in tight spaces can become irritated because the diameter of the blood vessel or nerve increases due to the heat,” says Dr. Segil. This can also trigger a migraine. You’re also more prone to dehydration when it’s hot, says Dr. Ghafoor: “If you get overheated and dehydrated, it can also trigger migraines.”
Dr. Segil points out that the high humidity that is common in spring and summer (and not just related to air pollution) can also trigger migraines. High humidity leads to sweating and water loss, which can reduce the amount of blood in your blood vessels (if not replenished), says Dr. Segil. “This reduces the diameter of the blood vessels and can cause headaches, just like an enlarged vessel diameter,” he says.
