Air pollution and humidity trigger severe migraines, driving hospital visits.

Air pollution triggers severe migraines, according to new research. Hot and humid weather also increase the likelihood of these debilitating headaches. A study of sufferers reveals a direct link between pollution spikes and hospital visits. The journal Neurology reports higher admission rates on days with greater pollution levels. On the peak visit day, pollution reached twice the World Health Organisation clean air limits. The day with the fewest visits recorded pollution levels below the average. Nearly ten million people in Britain suffer from migraines causing severe headaches. These conditions often bring nausea and vomiting alongside the intense pain. Symptoms can include paralysis, pins and needles, and resemble a stroke. About one million people face chronic migraines with pain over half the month. The study found a cumulative effect from long-term exposure to air pollution. Patients exposed above WHO limits for a long time showed a 10 per cent increase in medication use. Study author Ido Peles from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel highlighted these findings. He stated the results offer opportunities for anticipating needed medical care. When high-risk exposure periods are forecast, doctors can advise limiting outdoor activity. Patients should use air filters and take short-term preventative medications during these times. Doctors should recommend starting migraine drugs at the first sign of trouble. These results help explain how and when migraine attacks occur. For susceptible people, environmental factors play two distinct roles in attack risk. Intermediate-term factors like heat and humidity may modify the overall risk for attacks. Short-term factors such as sudden spikes in pollution levels may trigger immediate attacks.