The current heatwave is amplifying a condition that causes extreme sensitivity to smells, leading to migraines and nausea, according to writer Clare Foges. This heightened sensitivity, known as hyperosmia, turns everyday fragrances into overwhelming irritants, creating personal discomfort and friction.
Hyperosmia, which Foges has experienced for nine years, began during her first pregnancy in 2017. Strong scents, particularly synthetic fragrances found in perfumes, can trigger gagging reflexes and severe headaches. Foges describes how the heat transforms personal scents into a