Sinus headaches

Symptoms: Fluid buildup in the sinus leads to pain felt across the cheekbones, nose bridge, or behind the eyes that is often accompanied by fever. In severe cases, sinus infections can put pressure on the jaw and nerves at the base of the teeth, causing throbbing toothaches.

Causes: Infections and/or inflammation of the sinuses.

Natural fixes: The glut of products marketed for sinus-pain relief may be misleading consumers to believe sinus headaches are more common than they actually are. In fact, without having a CT scan, it’s difficult for a doctor to know for certain if you’re suffering a true sinus headache, Pepper says. As a result, some migraine sufferers mistakenly believe they have sinus problems. “The vast majority of sinus headaches are most likely a variation of a migraine,” says Steven Y. Park, MD, clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology (i.e., a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck disorders) at the New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. Sinus infections that don’t clear up within a week or so may be bacterial in nature and therefore require antibiotics, but there are measures you can take to prevent sinus inflammation (and the resulting headaches) in the first place. Stay well hydrated to keep fluids moving through your sinus cavities. And stock up on immune-boosting foods such as citrus fruits and dark leafy greens, as well as infection-fighting compounds such as garlic. Using a neti pot to flush out your sinuses can be helpful.

When to call your doctor

• Your headaches appear out of nowhere and are so severe that they routinely prevent you from completing daily tasks.

• Pain is impairing your quality of life and interrupting your work.

• Headaches have become more frequent and/or more severe over time.

• Without a history of headaches, you start getting them in your fifties or older. Late-onset headaches are less common and may indicate more serious health problems, Pepper says.