SINUS
Who gets them The number of sinus-headache sufferers is unclear, partly because a sinus headache is so often misdiagnosed. (It’s often a migraine.)
What happens in your head During a sinus infection, which is the primary cause of a sinus headache, the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed, creating pain and pressure.
Where it hurts Cheekbones, forehead, or across the nose
How it feels Deep, constant pain
Other symptoms Fever, runny nose, stuffy ears, facial swelling, bad breath, cough
Common triggers Anyone can have a sinus infection and/or headache; people prone to colds and allergies seem to have them more often
Treatment See your doctor for antibiotics to fight the infection. Advil or another NSAID with ibuprofen can help relieve inflammation, but decongestants and allergy drugs may make sinus headaches worse (they can dry you out); talk to your doctor before taking any meds.
Good to know Greenish-yellow nasal discharge is an obvious symptom of a sinus infection.
CLUSTER
Who gets them More men than women, with onset typically in the 20s to 40s. (Most frequent onset age for women: 60s.) May be underdiagnosed in African-American women.
What happens in your head Something may go awry in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that houses your biological clock. During attacks, the brain may stimulate responses in the nose and eyes.
Where it hurts One side of the head, often around one eye
How it feels Sudden sharp or burning pain that lasts 15 minutes to more than two hours
Other symptoms Stuffy nose, a watery eye, flushed face, restlessness; attacks can occur several times a day; cycles can last for weeks or months, or stop for years
Common triggers Smoking, alcohol, certain foods, bright lights, sleep problems, stress
Treatment Your doctor may prescribe oxygen treatments or a steroid such as prednisone to stop the attacks. Imitrex injections—fairly painless, compared with the actual headache—or triptan nasal sprays can speed relief. Verapamil, a blood pressure med, has been known to prevent cluster headaches, although doctors aren’t exactly sure how.
Good to know Cluster headaches are rare and not life-threatening. But any first-time sudden-onset headache requires a trip to the doc or ER.
