Dr. Katz, iHATEheadaches Blog

I mentioned to my wife about a week ago that I've been sniffling a lot lately in the office. My assistant also complained about some head congestion and she had gone to her doctor who recommended nasal spray for her problem.
Friday morning I came to work with a slight headache. I took some Advil and began to feel better. Then I suddenly got the aura I used to get when I had migraines years ago. Fortunately, It didn't last very long and there was no severe head pain. I was very surprised to have this type of headache return after so many years. I was happy that I felt better rather quickly and relieved because I was afraid I would not be able to work for the rest of the day.

At two o'clock Pam walked in, took a wiff, and said , "what is that smell?" It's such a heavy chemical smell. I can't sit in a dental chair if you don't get rid of that smell. I get bad headaches from chemical smells like that . Needless to say, I didn't smell anything.
We sometimes burn candles or use scented liquid in small bottles with fine sticks that absorbs the liquid and lets it evaporate to give the office a pleasant aroma. I suddenly remembered that we were using a new label and I had turned the sticks over this morning so that the half that had been in the bottle was now filling the air with its odor.

I had to laugh. I thought my headaches were returning or worse. My headache, sniffling and the slight headaches I had had the week before was coming from that new bottle of scent that was filling the air. It was Pam who opened my eyes. Sometimes the answers to puzzles are right in front of you if you take the time to ask the right questions and patiently observe the situation. Needless to say, out went the bottle. Work Monday was great . My head was clear
my nose dry.

I'm sure I'll remember this incident the next time I interview someone about their existing chronic or acute symptoms. Not everything is what it seems.
By the way my assistant is feeling better too.