What are the key symptoms of a sinus infection. How can you differentiate between a sinus headache and a migraine. What treatments are effective for relieving sinus pressure and pain. When should you consult a doctor for sinus-related issues.

The Nature of Sinus Headaches: Symptoms and Misconceptions

Sinus headaches are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. They are commonly associated with a sensation of pressure and fullness in the facial area, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. However, it’s crucial to note that what many people perceive as a sinus headache may actually be a migraine.

The primary symptoms of sinus-related head pressure include:

• Pain and pressure in the cheeks, brow, or forehead
• Intensified discomfort when bending forward or lying down
• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Aching sensation in the upper teeth

Are these symptoms always indicative of a sinus infection? Not necessarily. Many of these symptoms overlap with those of migraines, leading to frequent misdiagnosis. Studies have shown that a significant number of patients seeking medical attention for sinus headaches are actually experiencing migraines.

Differentiating Between Sinusitis and Migraines: Key Indicators

Distinguishing between sinusitis and migraines can be challenging due to their overlapping symptoms. However, there are several key differences that can help in accurate diagnosis:

Sinusitis Characteristics:

• Often follows a viral upper respiratory infection or cold
• Presents with thick, discolored nasal discharge
• Associated with a reduced sense of smell
• Typically causes pain in one cheek or upper teeth
• Symptoms may persist for days or longer

Migraine Characteristics:

• May be accompanied by nausea or vomiting
• Often aggravated by noise or bright light
• Usually lasts hours to a day or two
• Can involve nasal symptoms due to autonomic nervous system involvement

Is it possible for migraines to mimic sinus symptoms? Indeed, migraines can cause nasal congestion, facial pressure, and clear nasal discharge, which are often mistaken for sinusitis symptoms. This overlap contributes to the frequent misdiagnosis of migraines as sinus headaches.

The Role of Sinus Infections in Head Pressure

While many perceived sinus headaches are actually migraines, genuine sinus infections (sinusitis) can indeed cause significant head pressure and discomfort. Sinusitis occurs when the sinus cavities become inflamed, often due to viral infections, allergies, or in some cases, bacterial infections.

How do sinus infections develop? The process typically follows these steps:

1. Viral infection or allergic reaction causes inflammation of sinus linings
2. Swollen tissues block sinus openings
3. Mucus accumulates in the blocked sinuses
4. Pressure builds up, causing pain and discomfort
5. In some cases, bacteria may grow in the trapped mucus, leading to a bacterial sinus infection

Can sinus infections resolve on their own? In many cases, especially those caused by viruses, sinus infections will clear up without specific treatment. However, persistent or severe cases may require medical intervention.

Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies for Sinus-Related Head Pressure

Understanding the risk factors for sinus headaches and infections can help in developing effective prevention strategies. Some key risk factors include:

• Previous history of migraines or headaches
• Family history of migraines or headaches
• Hormonal changes associated with headaches
• Allergies or frequent upper respiratory infections
• Anatomical issues such as deviated septum or nasal polyps

How can you reduce your risk of sinus-related head pressure? Consider these preventive measures:

1. Avoid known triggers, including certain foods, odors, or environmental factors
2. Establish a regular sleep and meal schedule
3. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
4. Engage in regular aerobic exercise
5. Maintain proper hydration
6. Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist
7. Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of viral infections

Is it possible to completely prevent sinus infections? While it’s challenging to eliminate all risk, these strategies can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of sinus-related issues.

Treatment Options for Sinus Infection Head Pressure

When dealing with sinus infection head pressure, various treatment options are available, depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms:

For Viral Sinusitis:

• Rest and hydration
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Nasal saline irrigation
• Decongestant nasal sprays (short-term use only)
• Steam inhalation

For Bacterial Sinusitis:

• Antibiotics (prescribed by a healthcare provider)
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays
• Oral or injectable corticosteroids (in severe cases)

For Allergy-Related Sinusitis:

• Antihistamines
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays
• Allergy shots or immunotherapy

How long does it take for sinus infection treatments to work? The timeline for relief can vary depending on the cause and chosen treatment. Viral infections may resolve within 7-10 days, while bacterial infections treated with antibiotics often show improvement within a few days of starting treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sinus-Related Issues

While many sinus infections resolve on their own or with over-the-counter treatments, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• Headache symptoms occur more than 15 days a month
• You experience severe headaches that don’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Sinus symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement
• You have a high fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C) along with sinus pain
• You notice changes in vision or severe swelling around the eyes
• Headaches or sinus issues significantly interfere with daily activities

What can you expect during a medical consultation for sinus issues? Your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, ask about your symptoms and medical history, and potentially order imaging tests like a CT scan to evaluate your sinuses.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Sinus Health

Lifestyle choices can significantly influence sinus health and the frequency of sinus-related head pressure. Consider the following factors:

Diet and Nutrition:

Certain foods and beverages may trigger sinus issues or exacerbate existing problems. Common culprits include:

• Dairy products (for some individuals)
• Alcohol, particularly red wine
• Caffeine
• Foods high in histamines

How can dietary changes improve sinus health? Increasing intake of anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 rich fish, may help reduce sinus inflammation. Additionally, staying well-hydrated supports healthy mucus production and drainage.

Environmental Factors:

Your surroundings can have a significant impact on sinus health. Consider these environmental influences:

• Air quality (both indoor and outdoor)
• Humidity levels
• Exposure to allergens and irritants
• Temperature fluctuations

What steps can you take to create a sinus-friendly environment? Using air purifiers, maintaining optimal humidity levels (between 30-50%), and regularly cleaning to reduce dust and allergens can all contribute to better sinus health.

Stress Management:

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and potentially increase susceptibility to sinus infections. Effective stress management techniques include:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Time management and prioritization
• Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals

How does stress reduction benefit sinus health? By lowering overall inflammation in the body and supporting immune function, stress management can help reduce the frequency and severity of sinus issues.

Advanced Treatment Options for Chronic Sinusitis

For individuals with chronic sinusitis that doesn’t respond to conventional treatments, several advanced options are available:

Balloon Sinuplasty:

This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small balloon into the sinus passages and inflating it to widen the openings. Benefits include:

• Faster recovery time compared to traditional sinus surgery
• Preservation of natural sinus anatomy
• Can be performed in an office setting under local anesthesia

What is the success rate of balloon sinuplasty? Studies have shown that about 95% of patients experience significant improvement in sinus symptoms following this procedure.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery:

For more complex cases, endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended. This procedure involves:

• Using a thin, lighted tool to visualize sinus passages
• Removing obstructive tissue or bone to improve drainage
• Addressing structural issues that contribute to chronic sinusitis

How long is the recovery period after endoscopic sinus surgery? Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks, although full healing may take several months.

Immunotherapy:

For individuals with allergic rhinitis contributing to recurrent sinusitis, immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) may be beneficial. This treatment works by:

• Gradually exposing the body to increasing amounts of allergens
• Building tolerance to specific allergens over time
• Reducing the overall allergic response

How long does immunotherapy take to show results? While some patients may notice improvement within a few months, the full course of treatment typically lasts 3-5 years for long-lasting benefits.

By understanding the complexities of sinus infection head pressure and exploring various treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Remember that each case is unique, and working closely with healthcare providers can help determine the most effective approach for your specific situation.

Sinus headaches – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Sinus headaches are headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis). You may feel pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead. Perhaps your head throbs.

But, this pain might actually be caused by a migraine.

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Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of sinus headaches may include:

• Pain, pressure and fullness in the cheeks, brow or forehead
• Worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down
• Stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Achy feeling in the upper teeth

Sinusitis or migraine?

Migraines and headaches from sinusitis are easy to confuse because the signs and symptoms of the two types of headaches may overlap.

Both migraine and sinusitis headache pain often get worse when you bend forward. Migraine can also be accompanied by various nasal signs and symptoms — including congestion, facial pressure and a clear, watery nasal discharge. These are due to involvement of the autonomic nervous system in a migraine attack. In fact, studies have shown that most people who see a health care provider for sinus headaches are found to have migraines instead.

Sinusitis, however, usually isn’t associated with nausea or vomiting or aggravated by noise or bright light — all common features of migraines.

Sinusitis usually:

• Occurs after a viral upper respiratory infection or cold
• Includes thick, discolored nasal mucus
• Is associated with a decreased sense of smell
• Causes pain in one cheek or upper teeth

Headaches due to sinus disease often last days or longer, and migraines most commonly last hours to a day or two.

When to see a doctor

Consult your provider if:

• Your headache symptoms occur more than 15 days a month or require frequent pain medicine available without a prescription
• You have a severe headache, and pain medicine available without a prescription doesn’t help
• You miss school or work because of frequent headaches or the headaches interfere with your daily life

Causes

Sinus headaches are usually associated with migraines or other forms of headaches.

Sinus headaches are associated with pain and pressure in the face and sinuses and can cause nasal symptoms. Most of these headaches are not caused by sinus infections and generally should not be treated with antibiotics.

Risk factors

Sinus headaches can affect anyone but may be more likely if you have:

• A previous history of migraines or headaches
• A family history of migraines or headaches
• Hormonal changes associated with headaches

Prevention

Whether or not you take preventive medications, you may benefit from lifestyle changes that can help reduce the number and severity of headaches. One or more of these suggestions may be helpful for you:

• Avoid triggers. If certain foods or odors seem to have triggered your headaches in the past, avoid them. Your provider may recommend you reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake and avoid tobacco.

  In general, establish a daily routine with regular sleep patterns and regular meals. In addition, try to control stress.

• Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise reduces tension and can help prevent headaches. If your provider agrees, choose any aerobic exercise you enjoy, including walking, swimming and cycling.

  Warm up slowly, however, because sudden, intense exercise can cause headaches.

  Obesity is also thought to be a factor in headaches, and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight.

• Reduce the effects of estrogen. If estrogen seems to trigger or make your headaches worse, you may want to avoid or reduce the medications you take that contain estrogen.

  These medications include birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Talk with your provider about the appropriate alternatives or dosages for you.

Sinus infection (sinusitis) symptoms | HealthPartners Blog

When you get a stuffy or runny nose, along with symptoms like cough and a low-grade fever, you might just think you’ve caught a cold. But if you also have pain or pressure in your sinuses, it could be a sinus infection.

So, which is it?

If you have a stuffy or runny nose that still sticks around after a cold or bout with allergies, and you start noticing facial pain or pressure in your sinuses, there’s a good chance you have sinusitis – otherwise known as a sinus infection. Fortunately, with the right care for the right type of sinusitis, relief can be on the way. We’ll give you more details about sinus infections, including how they’re caused, their symptoms, how to treat them and when to see your doctor. With the right approach, your days of breathing easy will return once again.

What causes a sinus infection?

Inside your head are spaces in the bones around your eyes, cheeks and nose. Known as your sinus cavities, they’re hollow, moist and usually problem free. But when you have a cold or allergies, the lining of these cavities become inflamed. This inflammation causes swelling, blocking off your sinuses’ normal drainage routes into your nose and throat. This comes at the worst possible time since your nose is already full of mucus due to your cold or allergies.

With all exits to your nose and throat mostly or completely blocked, mucus becomes stuck in your sinuses, giving you a feeling of stuffiness and pressure that can be downright miserable. When all goes well, once the inflammation goes down, your sinuses drain and go back to normal. But there are times when that buildup of mucus in your sinuses becomes a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria or fungi. If these germs take hold, your sinuses can remain inflamed even after your cold or allergies have run their course – resulting in a sinus infection that causes more swelling and pain as the viruses, bacteria or fungi grow.

Viral, bacterial and fungal sinus infections

As a condition, sinusitis is a broad term, describing sinus infections caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. Viruses are usually the most common direct cause of sinusitis, with the cold virus itself causing the infection and resulting inflammation. But as anyone that has had fruit rot on their kitchen counter can confirm, food in a moist and warm place is a prime home for bacteria and fungus. During your cold or allergies, your reserve of mucus serves as fertile ground for bacteria or fungus to settle and multiply. While all three causes are unique, each has an available and effective treatment.

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

The biggest symptom of sinusitis is a stuffy or runny nose that is still going, even if other cold or allergy symptoms have stopped. You might also have yellow or green drainage dripping from your nose or going down the back of your throat.

The other big sign of a sinus infection is pain or pressure in your face – especially near the sinus cavities around your eyes, cheeks and nose. Both your persistent stuffy nose and face pain are due to the lining of your sinuses being inflamed and swollen by the infection, plugging drainage and building pressure.

This pain can also make your face more sensitive to touch, especially around your nose and eyes. Your sensitivity can also be triggered by leaning forward or moving your head, causing the pain and pressure to get worse.

Other symptoms to look for include:

• Headache
• Coughing that produces mucus
• Fever
• Tooth pain
• A reduced sense of taste or smell
• Bad breath

But is it still a cold, flu, allergies or even COVID-19?

Sinus infections do share symptoms with colds, the flu and COVID-19. The key thing to remember about sinusitis is that it usually doesn’t happen without something taking place first. A sinus infection is caused by inflammation that plugs up your sinuses and causes a backup of fluid – the kind of situation that can only really happen as the result of a cold, allergies or other similar condition.

So, if you do find yourself having symptoms of sinusitis but haven’t been sick with anything else recently, it’s worth it to see if you’re tracking with other signs of a cold or the flu. You should also take a quick inventory to see if you have any early symptoms of COVID-19. If so, get tested and get treatment as soon as possible. With early detection, you can get the medications necessary to have the best chances of getting better faster.

If you’ve been sneezing with a stuffy or runny nose along with irritated, watery eyes and itchy ears – all without a fever – you might be dealing with seasonal allergies. If that sounds more like what you have, especially if they’re symptoms that only happen during certain times of the year, check in with your primary care doctor. They can help confirm if you’re dealing with allergies, prescribe medications and connect you with an allergist to treat congestion from allergies.

How long does a sinus infection last?

The time it takes to bounce back from sinusitis depends on whether the infection you have is acute or chronic.

Acute sinus infections

Acute sinusitis comes on suddenly, usually by a virus or bacteria. Acute sinus infections caused by viruses (like the ones behind colds) are the most common. Fortunately, most of these infections go away on their own without any special treatment. In these cases, symptoms will start to clear up after seven days, gradually getting better until you recover completely in about four weeks.

When bacteria causes an acute sinus infection, it doesn’t clear up as quickly or completely on its own like infections caused by a virus. Bacterial infections typically last more than 10 days without any letup in symptoms and usually need antibiotics. The good news is that symptoms typically go away quickly once treatment begins.

Chronic sinus infections

A chronic sinus infection, sometimes called chronic sinusitis, some can last for 12 weeks or longer. They can be caused by fungal infections or untreated bacterial infections, the constant infection and inflammation of chronic sinusitis won’t go away on its own. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent changes in the lining of your sinuses that may make you prone to more long-lasting and severe infections in the future.

Yes, having sinusitis can be miserable. But it’s also very treatable – especially from home. The key is to know the symptoms you have, how long you have them, and when they’re getting worse. Doing the right things at the right time is essential to bouncing back from a sinus infection.

How to treat a sinus infection at home – the first several days

Many sinus infections clear up on their own, with symptoms usually starting to improve after two days. While that’s good news, you’re going to need help while you’re in the thick of feeling gross. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do in the meantime to help you feel better:

• Start taking over-the-counter pain medicine like Tylenol, Advil or Aleve. These will help with the pressure and pain you’re feeling, along with any fever or headaches. Make sure to read the label and cycle between different medications for maximum relief. Also, avoid taking Tylenol for pain if you’re using cold or flu medicines that also use acetaminophen.
• Use a decongestant nasal spray. Using a spray like oxymetazoline (Afrin) can also help with congestion during the first three days.
• Breathe in warm, humid air. Take hot showers or baths throughout the day. If you have a humidifier, now is the perfect time to use it.
• Try clearing your nasal passages with a saline solution (saltwater). Saline washes are excellent at helping to clear your nasal passages and reduce congestion. You can pick some up at your local pharmacy.
• Press a warm, moist towel to your face for 5-10 minutes several times a day. The heat and moist air it creates can help reduce swelling and pain in your nasal passages.
• Drink lots of water and other fluids. This can help thin your mucus and reduce congestion.

Using these home treatments together should give you relief pretty quickly. However, some techniques work well for some while others don’t. See what combination works best for you. If you’re finding that none of these are helping, your next move should be to make an appointment with your doctor.

When should you see a doctor for sinusitis?

After two days of taking care of your symptoms at home, you should start seeing some improvement. If you don’t feel like things are getting better, it’s time to see your primary care doctor, use an online clinic or head into urgent care. You should see someone sooner if:

• You’re experiencing severe pain in the upper part of your face or your teeth
• You have facial pain from the bridge of your nose to your lower eyelid
• Over-the-counter medicines aren’t providing relief for your headaches
• You have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Your normally clear, thin mucus is starting to turn thick and yellow or green

Taking care of sinus infections early can help keep them from turning into chronic infections, which take longer to treat.

If you thought you were in the clear after an illness but are still experiencing symptoms, you should make an appointment – especially if you’ve had cold symptoms for more than 10 days or mild face pain for more than a month.

How your doctor treats a sinus infection

When you’re in the exam room, your doctor will do a quick check of your symptoms to see if your infection is bacterial or viral. If it turns out that your infection is bacterial, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic. Once you get it, make sure to take the entire amount prescribed to you – even if you start feeling better after a few days. Taking the entire amount helps to ensure that all of the bacteria causing your pain are wiped out and don’t return.

If it ends up that your infection is viral, you won’t be prescribed an antibiotic. (Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections.) But don’t despair – there is still plenty in your doctor’s toolbox to help you feel better. Prescription decongestants and corticosteroids can help reduce swelling and inflammation while mucolytics will help thin out your mucus, helping it to drain faster.

When is sinus surgery needed?

If the thought of surgery makes you more miserable, don’t worry – it’s only needed for more chronic or complex cases. If prescription treatments don’t work, your doctor will refer you to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. They can try other approaches to take care of your infection, including sinus surgery. There, they can remove swollen tissue, nasal polyps, growths, fluid or other blockages that make it difficult for your sinuses to drain and heal. Again, there are plenty of medications and treatments that doctors can use before surgery is considered.

Are sinus infections contagious?

It depends. If it’s caused by a virus, definitely. If you’re in the early stages of sinusitis, and it hasn’t been checked out by a doctor, it’s safe to assume that it’s viral. That means you can easily spread it to someone else when you sneeze or cough, releasing droplets of moisture through the air. To keep your sinus infection (and the cold that caused it) to yourself, take the usual precautions and cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently.

If your doctor finds that your sinus infection is caused by bacteria or fungus, then it’s not contagious. While that doesn’t mean that you’ll spread it to friends and family, it’s not a free pass to sneeze openly in the air. Keep covering your mouth and washing your hands.

Sinus infection prevention

Even under the best of circumstances, you can still get a sinus infection. The key is to prevent your infection from becoming chronic. The sooner you recognize your symptoms, the sooner you can get the care you need before the infection spreads and gets worse. If you don’t feel better after two days of sinus infection symptoms, see your primary care doctor or head to urgent care.

That said, the best way to prevent a sinus infection is to take the same precautions you would with a cold or allergies:

• Avoid direct contact with people who are sick with colds or other viral upper respiratory infections.
• Wash your hands after touching common surfaces and before eating or touching your face.
• If you breathe a lot of dry air, especially indoors during the winter, use a humidifier.
• If you smoke, stop. If you’re around smoke, avoid it. Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke can irritate the lining in your nose and sinuses, which can kick-start the processes leading to infection.
• Avoid allergy triggers, in and out of season.
• Talk to your primary care doctor or allergist about immunotherapy, including allergy shots.

Is online care an option?

Absolutely! Sinus infections are easy to diagnose and treat safely through an online or video interview. When you see a doctor or nurse practitioner through an online or video visit, you’ll be asked the same questions as you would if you were in person. They can also prescribe medication and set up a treatment plan to help get you feeling better right away.

When it’s time to see someone for your sinusitis symptoms, consider Virtuwell.com – our online clinic that’s available day and night. Our certified nurse practitioners diagnose and treat more sinus infections than any other condition.

If you want to see your primary care doctor, you can set up a primary care appointment. And if you don’t want to leave the house, you can make it a video visit.

LIFE AFTER COVID-19: HOW TO RESTORE HEART FUNCTION?

More than 30% of patients who have had COVID-19 begin to experience shortness of breath, heart rhythm disturbances, increased blood pressure up to a hypertensive crisis, fatigue and decreased performance within one to two weeks after recovery ^{1 ,2} . All these symptoms are a manifestation of the post-COVID syndrome, the duration of which can be up to six months. What modern medicine knows about post-COVID syndrome, and whether it is worth waiting a few months for it to pass, was discussed with a cardiologist and a therapist at a press event of the pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter as part of World Heart Day.

Postcovid syndrome manifests itself in a whole range of various symptoms and malfunctions of the cardiovascular, vegetative, nervous systems, and is also expressed in a violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract ¹ . When it enters the body, the COVID-19 virus negatively affects certain receptors that are most present in the vessels of the lungs, heart, kidneys, and intestines, thereby compromising the work of all these organs. Generally, patients who have had COVID-19, complain of increased blood pressure, tachycardia, weakness, muscle and joint pain, anxiety, fatigue and irritability. All these symptoms indicate the presence of a post-covid syndrome, which manifests itself already 1-2 weeks after an infectious disease, and by the 30th day, every second patient discovers its symptoms, without seeing improvements until the 110th day after recovery ³ . The severity and duration of the post-COVID syndrome depends on the degree of intoxication of the body, the severity of the course of the disease, the level of involvement of the nervous system, age, the presence of complications and concomitant diseases.

As recent studies have shown, a lack of potassium and magic in the blood, trace elements that are excreted from the body during coronavirus infection, can provoke the development of post-covid syndrome. In 20% of patients who underwent COVID-19 and were treated in a hospital, potassium deficiency is detected – hypokalemia ² . As a rule, a slight decrease in the level of potassium in the blood does not cause acute symptoms, however, if the level of potassium in the blood plasma is <3.5 mmol / l, the patient may experience serious problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Elizaveta Yurievna Ebzeeva, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Educational Department of the Department of Therapy and Polymorbid Pathology of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Additional Professional Education “Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education”, general practitioner:

“With potassium deficiency during post-COVID syndrome, patients experience chest pain, increased blood pressure, anxiety-depressive conditions, heart rhythm disturbances – often in severe form up to ventricular fibrillation, which can lead to a quick death. At the same time, a lack of magnesium, less than 0.65 mmol / l, increases the symptoms with a decrease in potassium levels, causing dizziness, severe fatigue, irritability, sleep problems. For patients with such complaints, I recommend using Panangin. It is able to compensate for the lack of potassium and magnesium in the blood, minimizes the symptoms of asthenia, improves well-being and reduces the risk of disorders in the cardiovascular system.”

Patients suffering from arterial hypertension are at particular risk for coronavirus, and there are about 45% of them in our country ⁴ . At the same time, more than 30% of patients who have undergone COVID-19 may experience disturbances in the regulation of blood pressure up to the development of a hypertensive crisis, the manifestations of which can be a sharp increase in blood pressure, dizziness, headache) ⁵ . The main risk factors for high blood pressure in post-COVID syndrome are advanced age, overweight, concomitant chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus.

Dmitry Aleksandrovich Napalkov, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Department of Faculty Therapy No. 1, Institute of Clinical Medicine named after N.V. Sklifosovsky, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov, cardiologist:

“I worked in the “red zone” of a covid hospital, and now I am an outpatient appointment for patients who have had COVID-19and have a history of arterial hypertension or acquired it after suffering a coronavirus infection. Often, patients entering covid clinics stop taking drugs that normalize blood pressure and, unfortunately, rarely return to taking this therapy after recovery. But the abolition of antihypertensive drugs can lead to the risk of developing a heart attack, stroke, thrombosis, arrhythmias and other pathologies. Now there are fixed combined drugs that can maintain a normal level of blood pressure for a long time, during the day. At the same time, such fixed combinations can regulate cholesterol levels, as well as reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. In addition, taking fixed combination drugs increases the achievement of target blood pressure in patients by 30% – due to an increase in adherence to therapy. After all, instead of several tablets, the patient needs to take only one or two.

Despite the fact that post-COVID syndrome can drag on for several months, bringing real discomfort to a person, there are a number of preventive measures that will help the body recover faster and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

What is important to remember about post-COVID syndrome:

• Main symptoms: weakness, shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, fatigue, memory impairment, irritability, sleep problems, constipation, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain.
• Every second patient who has had a coronavirus infection suffers from post-covid syndrome. It develops within 1-2 weeks and can last up to six months.
• One in five patients who had COVID-19 and were treated in a hospital, there is a lack of potassium. A biochemical blood test should be done and, if low levels of potassium (<3.5 mmol / l) and magnesium (<0.65 mmol / l) are detected, start taking drugs that restore the deficiency of these trace elements (for example, Panangin).
• For people suffering from arterial hypertension, consult a specialist to find drugs to normalize blood pressure. If it is impossible or unwilling to take several drugs per day, discuss with a specialist the appointment of fixed combination drugs (double or triple combination): instead of 3-4 tablets per day, you will need to take 1-2 capsules.

Link to publication:
pharmjournal.ru

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More than 30% of patients who have had COVID-19 begin to experience shortness of breath, heart rhythm disturbances, increased blood pressure up to a hypertensive crisis, fatigue and decreased performance within one to two weeks after recovery ^{1 ,2} . All these symptoms are a manifestation of the post-COVID syndrome, the duration of which can be up to six months. What modern medicine knows about post-COVID syndrome, and whether it is worth waiting a few months for it to pass, was discussed with a cardiologist and a therapist at a press event of the pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter as part of World Heart Day.

Postcovid syndrome manifests itself in a whole range of various symptoms and malfunctions of the cardiovascular, vegetative, nervous systems, and is also expressed in a violation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract ¹ . When it enters the body, the COVID-19 virus negatively affects certain receptors that are most present in the vessels of the lungs, heart, kidneys, and intestines, thereby compromising the work of all these organs. Generally, patients who have had COVID-19, complain of increased blood pressure, tachycardia, weakness, muscle and joint pain, anxiety, fatigue and irritability. All these symptoms indicate the presence of a post-covid syndrome, which manifests itself already 1-2 weeks after an infectious disease, and by the 30th day, every second patient discovers its symptoms, without seeing improvements until the 110th day after recovery ³ . The severity and duration of the post-COVID syndrome depends on the degree of intoxication of the body, the severity of the course of the disease, the level of involvement of the nervous system, age, the presence of complications and concomitant diseases.

As recent studies have shown, a lack of potassium and magic in the blood, trace elements that are excreted from the body during coronavirus infection, can provoke the development of post-covid syndrome. In 20% of patients who underwent COVID-19 and were treated in a hospital, potassium deficiency is detected – hypokalemia ² . As a rule, a slight decrease in the level of potassium in the blood does not cause acute symptoms, however, if the level of potassium in the blood plasma is <3. 5 mmol / l, the patient may experience serious problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Elizaveta Yurievna Ebzeeva, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Educational Department of the Department of Therapy and Polymorbid Pathology of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Additional Professional Education “Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education”, general practitioner:

“With potassium deficiency during post-COVID syndrome, patients experience chest pain, increased blood pressure, anxiety-depressive conditions, heart rhythm disturbances – often in severe form up to ventricular fibrillation, which can lead to a quick death. At the same time, a lack of magnesium, less than 0.65 mmol / l, increases the symptoms with a decrease in potassium levels, causing dizziness, severe fatigue, irritability, sleep problems. For patients with such complaints, I recommend using Panangin. It is able to compensate for the lack of potassium and magnesium in the blood, minimizes the symptoms of asthenia, improves well-being and reduces the risk of disorders in the cardiovascular system. ”

Patients suffering from arterial hypertension are at particular risk for coronavirus, and there are about 45% of them in our country ⁴ . At the same time, more than 30% of patients who have undergone COVID-19 may experience disturbances in the regulation of blood pressure up to the development of a hypertensive crisis, the manifestations of which can be a sharp increase in blood pressure, dizziness, headache) ⁵ . The main risk factors for high blood pressure in post-COVID syndrome are advanced age, overweight, concomitant chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus.

Dmitry Aleksandrovich Napalkov, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Department of Faculty Therapy No. 1, Institute of Clinical Medicine named after N.V. Sklifosovsky, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov, cardiologist:

“I worked in the “red zone” of a covid hospital, and now I am an outpatient appointment for patients who have had COVID-19and have a history of arterial hypertension or acquired it after suffering a coronavirus infection. Often, patients entering covid clinics stop taking drugs that normalize blood pressure and, unfortunately, rarely return to taking this therapy after recovery. But the abolition of antihypertensive drugs can lead to the risk of developing a heart attack, stroke, thrombosis, arrhythmias and other pathologies. Now there are fixed combined drugs that can maintain a normal level of blood pressure for a long time, during the day. At the same time, such fixed combinations can regulate cholesterol levels, as well as reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. In addition, taking fixed combination drugs increases the achievement of target blood pressure in patients by 30% – due to an increase in adherence to therapy. After all, instead of several tablets, the patient needs to take only one or two.

Despite the fact that post-COVID syndrome can drag on for several months, bringing real discomfort to a person, there are a number of preventive measures that will help the body recover faster and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

What is important to remember about post-COVID syndrome:

• Main symptoms: weakness, shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, fatigue, memory impairment, irritability, sleep problems, constipation, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain.
• Every second patient who has had a coronavirus infection suffers from post-covid syndrome. It develops within 1-2 weeks and can last up to six months.
• One in five patients who had COVID-19 and were treated in a hospital, there is a lack of potassium. A biochemical blood test should be done and, if low levels of potassium (<3.5 mmol / l) and magnesium (<0.65 mmol / l) are detected, start taking drugs that restore the deficiency of these trace elements (for example, Panangin).
• For people suffering from arterial hypertension, consult a specialist to find drugs to normalize blood pressure. If it is impossible or unwilling to take several drugs per day, discuss with a specialist the appointment of fixed combination drugs (double or triple combination): instead of 3-4 tablets per day, you will need to take 1-2 capsules.

Treatment of sinus arrhythmia in Kyiv – consultation with a cardiologist 700 ₴

Sinus arrhythmia – a violation of the rhythm of the heart, which occurs due to improper operation of the sinus node. The disease, like many others that affect the heart muscle, should be treated as early as possible, after the first symptoms appear.

Prices for the treatment of sinus arrhythmia

Sinus arrhythmia – a violation of the rhythm of the heart, which occurs due to improper operation of the sinus node. The disease, like many others that affect the heart muscle, should be treated as early as possible, after the first symptoms appear. To understand how dangerous this problem is, it is important to determine what causes the deterioration of the condition and whether the symptoms of sinus arrhythmia can cause discomfort that affects the quality of life of a person.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sinus arrhythmia may be mild or severe, depending on the severity of the disease. As a rule, diagnosis and treatment are required when:

• episodic weakness;
• syncope;
• lack of air;
• headaches;
• increased heartbeat, especially when it is manifested in children;
• sensations of interruptions in the work of the heart;
• discomfort in the heart muscle, which occurs with the two problems described above.

Sinus arrhythmia in infants is manifested by:

• hyperexcitability;
• dyspnea at rest;
• appearance of cyanosis;
• the appearance of a pale shade of the skin;
• decreased appetite;
• frequent regurgitation;
• insufficient weight gain;
• excessive sweating.

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Causes

There are three main causes of sinus arrhythmia.

Violation of the electrolyte composition of the blood fluid, which occurs due to the lack of components such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. Their deficiency or intake in a limited amount leads to relaxation of the heart muscle. Spasm of the heart excludes the supply of oxygen and nutrients, which are conveyed with the help of blood fluid. If the right amount of potassium is missing, then the heart cells begin to fill with water and sodium, which leads to swelling and dysfunction. Due to a violation of the contractile function, the rhythm of the heart beats down, which leads to heart failure.

Age changes. Over time, there is a violation of the functioning of the heart muscle, which can cause liver disease, hypothermia, typhus, brucellosis, hypothyroidism, as well as arrhythmia, senile amyloid degeneration.

Bradyarrhythmia. Occurs due to oxygen starvation, high blood pressure or too high acidity of the blood fluid.

Diagnostics

When the first symptoms of sinus arrhythmia appear, you need to go for diagnostics, according to which a certain treatment will be prescribed depending on the medical parameters of the patient’s body. Initially, doctors conduct a survey, as well as listening to the heart rhythm and the area around the heart. Basically, if the sinus arrhythmia is of a moderate type, then an increase in the rhythm can be achieved extremely rarely. Mandatory holding:

• electrocardiograms;
• ambulatory ECG monitoring;
• blood pressure measurements.

Once sinus arrhythmia has been identified and confirmed, doctors set the following task, namely, to determine whether it can be transient, that is:

• due to fever;
• caused by poisoning;
• resulting from any other acute condition.

Also, sinus arrhythmia can be a consequence of the pathological development of the heart. To confirm this point, a general blood test, urine, biochemistry, and echocardioscopy are required. If absolutely necessary, coronary angiography may be required, which will allow visualization of the coronary arteries of the heart muscle and assess the degree of their damage with atherosclerotic plaques, which becomes a consequence of sinus arrhythmia. If the patient has a heart defect, then an X-ray of the sternum is required to detect venous congestion provoked by heart failure.

Treatment of sinus arrhythmia

Treatment of the disease should begin as early as possible to prevent worsening of the condition. The main principle of treatment is to stop the attack and possibly eliminate the problem that causes it. No less important are such accompanying actions as:

• giving up alcohol and smoking;
• setting a certain mode in which there will be a place for good sleep and rest;
• active but moderate lifestyle;
• dieting;
• avoidance of invigorating drinks, especially coffee;
• restriction in the consumption of chocolate;
• complete elimination of spices in the diet.

Mandatory drug treatment, which will completely eliminate sinus arrhythmia. With a pronounced manifestation of this disease, surgical intervention may be required, and sometimes the installation of a special pacemaker.