Sinusitis and dizziness symptoms. Sinusitis Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments
What are the symptoms of sinusitis vertigo. How is sinusitis vertigo different from regular dizziness. What causes sinusitis vertigo and how can it be treated effectively. When should you see a doctor for sinusitis vertigo symptoms. What is balloon sinuplasty and how can it help with chronic sinusitis and vertigo.
Understanding Sinusitis Vertigo: More Than Just Dizziness
Sinusitis vertigo is a condition that often catches people off guard, especially those who are already dealing with a sinus infection. While not life-threatening, it can be a sign of a more severe sinus infection that requires medical attention beyond over-the-counter remedies. But what exactly is sinusitis vertigo, and how does it differ from regular dizziness?
Sinusitis vertigo occurs when mucus builds up in the Eustachian tube, which connects the inner ear to the throat. This tube plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. During a sinus infection, inflammation can prevent proper drainage, leading to fluid accumulation in various areas of the ear, nose, and throat, including the Eustachian tube.
It’s important to note that vertigo is medically distinct from general dizziness or equilibrium issues. Vertigo specifically refers to a spinning sensation, where either the individual feels they are spinning or the environment around them appears to be spinning.
Key Characteristics of Sinusitis Vertigo:
- Spinning sensation (either self or environment)
- Often accompanied by other sinus infection symptoms
- May indicate a more advanced or severe sinus infection
- Requires medical attention if persistent
The Link Between Sinus Infections and Vertigo: Unraveling the Connection
Not everyone with a sinus infection will experience vertigo, but when it does occur, it’s often a sign that the infection has progressed to a more serious stage. But how exactly do sinus infections lead to vertigo?
The connection lies in the complex network of structures in our head. When sinuses become inflamed due to infection, they can put pressure on the inner ear and disrupt the delicate balance mechanisms. Additionally, the buildup of fluid in the Eustachian tube can affect the pressure in the inner ear, leading to vertigo symptoms.
Factors Contributing to Sinusitis Vertigo:
- Inflammation of sinus cavities
- Fluid buildup in the Eustachian tube
- Pressure changes in the inner ear
- Disruption of normal balance mechanisms
If you’re experiencing vertigo along with your sinus infection symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. This combination often indicates that your infection has reached a stage where over-the-counter treatments may no longer be sufficient.
Recognizing Sinusitis Vertigo: Key Symptoms to Watch For
Identifying sinusitis vertigo can be challenging, especially if you’re already dealing with the discomfort of a sinus infection. However, recognizing the specific symptoms can help you seek appropriate treatment more quickly. What are the telltale signs of sinusitis vertigo?
- Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Feeling of imbalance or unsteadiness
- Nausea or vomiting (due to the spinning sensation)
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Exacerbation of symptoms with head movement
It’s important to note that these symptoms often occur alongside typical sinus infection symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, and headache. If you’re experiencing a combination of these symptoms, particularly if the vertigo is severe or persistent, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional.
Differential Diagnosis: When It’s Not Just Sinusitis Vertigo
While sinusitis vertigo is a common occurrence, it’s crucial to be aware that similar symptoms can sometimes indicate other conditions. One such condition is Meniere’s disease, which shares some symptoms with sinusitis vertigo but has distinct characteristics.
Meniere’s Disease vs. Sinusitis Vertigo:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) – present in both but often more severe in Meniere’s
- Vertigo – typically more prolonged and severe in Meniere’s
- Hearing loss – progressive hearing loss is characteristic of Meniere’s
- Feeling of fullness in the ear – more common in Meniere’s
If you’ve been treated for a sinus infection but continue to experience prolonged episodes of vertigo along with tinnitus and hearing changes, it’s essential to consult an ENT specialist. They can perform tests to determine whether your symptoms are due to sinusitis complications or if another condition like Meniere’s disease might be the cause.
Treatment Options for Sinusitis Vertigo: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions
Treating sinusitis vertigo often involves addressing the underlying sinus infection while also managing the vertigo symptoms. What are the most effective treatment options available?
Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Treatments:
- Nasal irrigation with saline solution
- Steam inhalation to help clear congestion
- Over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines
- Staying hydrated to thin mucus
- Elevating the head while sleeping to promote drainage
While these remedies can provide relief for mild cases, persistent or severe symptoms require medical intervention.
Medical Treatments:
- Prescription antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation
- Antivertigo medications to manage dizziness
- In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary
One innovative treatment option that has shown promising results for chronic sinusitis and associated vertigo is balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon Sinuplasty: A Minimally Invasive Solution for Chronic Sinusitis and Vertigo
For individuals who frequently struggle with sinus infections and sinusitis vertigo, balloon sinuplasty might offer the relief they’ve been seeking. But what exactly is balloon sinuplasty, and how does it work?
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to open blocked sinus passages. During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the blocked sinus cavity and then inflated. This expansion helps to reshape the sinus opening, promoting better drainage and reducing the likelihood of future infections and associated vertigo.
Key Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty:
- Minimally invasive – no cutting or removal of tissue
- Quick procedure – typically takes less than 20 minutes
- Performed in-office under local anesthesia
- Little to no recovery time
- Effective for various sinus issues, including sinusitis vertigo
Many patients report significant improvement in their sinus symptoms and a reduction in vertigo episodes following balloon sinuplasty. If you’re considering this treatment, it’s essential to consult with an experienced ENT specialist who can determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
When to Seek Professional Help: Recognizing the Red Flags
While mild sinus infections and occasional dizziness can often be managed at home, there are certain situations where professional medical help is necessary. But how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor for your sinusitis vertigo symptoms?
Signs That Indicate You Should See a Doctor:
- Vertigo symptoms lasting more than a few days
- Severe vertigo that affects your daily activities
- Sinus symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments
- Fever lasting more than 3-4 days
- Severe headache or facial pain
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Symptoms of a more serious infection (high fever, severe pain, confusion)
Remember, early intervention can prevent complications and lead to faster recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about your symptoms.
Living with Sinusitis Vertigo: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments
While medical treatments are crucial for managing sinusitis vertigo, there are also lifestyle adjustments and coping strategies that can help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life. What practical steps can you take to better manage sinusitis vertigo?
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Maintain good sinus hygiene (regular nasal irrigation, avoiding irritants)
- Stay hydrated to keep mucus thin
- Use a humidifier to keep air moist, especially while sleeping
- Avoid sudden head movements that can trigger vertigo
- Practice stress-reduction techniques, as stress can exacerbate symptoms
Coping Strategies During Vertigo Episodes:
- Find a safe place to sit or lie down when vertigo strikes
- Focus on a stationary object to help regain balance
- Take slow, deep breaths to help reduce nausea
- Use guided imagery or relaxation techniques to manage anxiety
- Keep a vertigo diary to identify triggers and patterns
By combining these strategies with appropriate medical treatment, many individuals find they can effectively manage their sinusitis vertigo and maintain a good quality of life.
Living with sinusitis vertigo can be challenging, but with the right approach and medical care, it’s possible to find relief and regain your balance. If you’re struggling with persistent symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified ENT specialist who can provide personalized treatment options, including advanced procedures like balloon sinuplasty if necessary. Remember, every individual’s experience with sinusitis vertigo is unique, and finding the right treatment plan may take time and patience. Stay proactive in your care, and don’t let sinusitis vertigo keep you off balance in life.
Sinusitis Vertigo Causes and Treatments
Not all individuals with sinus infections have sinusitis vertigo; however, the ones who do are frequently surprised by its symptoms.
While sinusitis vertigo is not life-threatening, its presence can and often does point to a worse-than-average sinus infection — one that will likely require treatment that goes beyond what OTC medications can provide.
Learn more about what causes sinusitis vertigo, what you can do to avoid sinusitis vertigo, and what sinusitis vertigo treatments are available to you.
Sinusitis vertigo is vertigo caused by a buildup of mucus in the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube runs from the inner ear to your throat. It’s part of the system that helps you maintain your balance. When your sinuses are inflamed during a sinus infection, your sinuses can no longer drain properly. As a result, mucus and fluid build up in many areas of the ear, nose, and throat (including the Eustachian tube).
While some patients may describe the experience of living with sinusitis vertigo as being dizzy or feeling as if your equilibrium is off because of your sinuses, it’s important to note that vertigo is differentiated medically from dizziness and equilibrium issues. Specifically, vertigo is the sensation of spinning, whether the patient feels like they are spinning or the room is spinning.
Sinusitis vertigo generally appears when your sinus infection has reached a more advanced and severe stage. If you have a sinus infection and start experiencing vertigo, go see a doctor. You need stronger treatment than whatever you are using to avoid long-term sinusitis complications.
If you’ve received treatment for your sinus infection and are still struggling with long sessions of vertigo (in addition to tinnitus — ringing in the ears), there’s a chance that you may have Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease causes tinnitus, vertigo, a sensation of pressure in your ear, and hearing loss. As the condition progresses, these symptoms can worsen.
What do you do when you’ve tried all home remedies and OTC medicine but your sinusitis won’t go away and you’re forced to deal with sinusitis vertigo on a daily basis? Visit your doctor. If you have a bacterial sinus infection, your ENT will be able to prescribe you an antibiotic. And if you have chronic sinusitis, they may be able to help you find a long-term solution for your sinus issues, such as balloon sinuplasty.
If you regularly struggle with sinus infections and sinusitis vertigo, minimally invasive balloon sinusitis might provide you with the relief you’re looking for. As an in-office procedure, balloon sinuplasty takes less than 20 minutes to perform and requires little-to-no recovery time. It has been proven to help with multiple types of sinus issues, including sinusitis vertigo, sinusitis and sleep apnea, and sinusitis congestion.
Dr. Bequer of Sinus Solutions of South Florida is one of the top providers of balloon sinuplasty in the Tampa and West Palm Beach areas. He and his staff are happy to answer any sinus-related questions you have, including everything from “Why is my sinusitis worse at night?” to “What is the difference between sinusitis and a cold?”
Life is crazy enough without the spinning sensations brought on by sinusitis vertigo. Let Sinus Solutions of South Florida help you regain your balance. Call us (561) 790-7744 or request a consultation online today.
10 Signs You Have a Sinus Infection
A sinus infection can be a serious issue, but it’s often confused with the common flu, as the two conditions share many of the same symptoms. Because of that, many people go without treatment, even though they may need to.
That lets the condition affect you for longer while possibly causing more damage. Figuring out when to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor can be confusing if you don’t know much about the condition.
There are multiple signs you could have a sinus infection. It’s vital to know what they are so you can get proper help when you need it.
Nasal Congestion
It’s not uncommon to experience nasal congestion when you have a sinus infection. Your sinuses will usually be swollen and inflamed, leaving nowhere for mucus to go. It won’t be able to drain. That builds up quickly, causing the congested feeling you’ll have in your face.
Thick and Colored Nasal Discharge
Nasal discharge is common with flus, colds and sinus infections, but there’s a difference between the discharges you can expect. With a sinus infection, you can expect the discharge to be thicker and have a distinct color, with this usually being yellow or green. It also wouldn’t be as watery as you’d see with a flu.
Fatigue
Your body uses up a lot of energy to fight off a sinus infection, and this can cause you to feel fatigued for the time you have it. Some of the other symptoms of the condition, such as dizziness and a cough, can also make you feel more and more tired with time.
Head Pain
While colds and flus can cause a feeling of pressure on your face, a sinus infection causes a full-blown headache. It’s typically more painful than you’d find with either of the other conditions, with this being caused by inflammation and congestion around your face.
Symptoms That Persist for Over Two Weeks
One of the clearer signs you have a sinus infection rather than a cold or flu is the length of time you have the illness. Colds and flus usually only last a few days, but the symptoms of a sinus infection can last several weeks. If you’re suffering from any of them for more than two weeks, it’s time to see an ENT doctor to get it accurately diagnosed and treated.
Postnasal Drip
A postnasal drip is one of the more notable signs you have a sinus infection, but it’s also one of the more similar to the signs of a cold or flu. The drip takes place from your nose to the back of the throat, making it one of the more unpleasant symptoms to have. The mucus that this causes usually has a green or yellowish tint, setting it apart from the watery mucus caused by a flu.
Bad Breath
Bacteria builds up when you have a sinus infection, and this usually results in you developing bad breath. The bacteria builds up because of the congestion mentioned above, with this becoming worse as the infection goes on. Since the discharge can’t come out your nose, it leaks into the back of your mouth, causing a bad odor.
Loss of Taste and Smell
Sinus infections naturally affect your senses of taste and smell, with these often being one of the first things to be affected. In most cases, these will decrease, but it’s not uncommon for them to go away almost completely. Food will taste and smell quite bland, although it’s likely you could still tell sweet and salty tastes apart.
Fever
A fever is a normal reaction to any infection, with your body raising its temperature to try to kill it off. A low-grade fever can be a sign you have a sinus infection. It’s worth noting, though, that this isn’t always the case. Instead, it’s more common with acute cases rather than chronic sinus infections.
Dizziness
Nasal congestion can have an impact on its own, but it’s not uncommon for it to also lead to you feeling dizzy and off-balance. The symptom becomes more apparent if you move your head or lean forward, with this becoming quite unpleasant. As you move around, it could get even worse.
If you’re experiencing a sinus infection, speaking to an ENT doctor is an effective way to get it accurately diagnosed and treated. At ENT Physicians Inc., we’re specialists in diagnosing and treating sinus infections and similar issues. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, we can help.
Give us a call at (419) 318-4987 and we’ll schedule an appointment to help you.
Everything you need to know about sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the tissues around and between the sinuses. The sinuses are empty cavities that are located in the nose, behind the cheekbones, between the eyes and in the forehead. When these cavities are healthy, they are filled with air.
The role of the sinuses is to create mucus. Healthy sinuses produce a thin mucus that slowly drains down the nasal passages to keep them moist and filter out harmful airborne particles, dust or allergens that can enter your nose and even enter your bloodstream, and they also protect your nose from bacteria.
Healthy sinuses are usually filled with air. But they can become clogged and filled with liquid. This is a situation that can lead to bacterial sinusitis, as the sinuses are a very attractive place for bacteria to thrive.
Anyone can get sinusitis. Those who suffer from nasal allergies, polyps, asthma, and abnormal structures in the nose are prone to sinusitis. Smoking is another factor that can increase the chance of developing sinusitis.
Sinusitis can also result from an infection caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus. Such infections can create the perfect environment for sinusitis to occur as the sinuses become inflamed and the nasal passages become blocked. Consequently, the outflow of mucus is significantly disturbed.
It is important to know that sinusitis is not contagious. Although the viruses that cause sinusitis attacks can be easily transmitted. Therefore, it is important to always wash your hands and try to protect those around you.
Where are the sinuses located?
The sinuses are quite complex as they extend from the level of the nose to the forehead. The names of each type of nasal sinuses are given by the names of the bones in the structure of which they are located. Sinuses are:
- Paranasal sinuses, which are located near the nose and eyes;
- Ethmoid sinuses located between the eyes;
- Maxillary sinuses located under the eyes;
- Sphenoid sinuses located behind the eyes;
- The frontal sinuses are located above the eyes.
The maxillary sinus, which is located in the cavity of the upper jaw, is most often infected. It is also the largest sinus in size.
Since the sinuses are a complex system of cavities, there are different causes of inflammation. Therefore, we will talk about the different types of sinusitis.
Bacterial sinusitis/acute sinusitis
Bacterial sinusitis or acute bacterial sinusitis describes a type of sinus inflammation that occurs suddenly during a common cold. Symptoms may include nasal congestion or a runny nose and facial pain. Bacterial sinusitis usually lasts about 10 days. It is known that the symptoms begin to subside, but after a few days of improvement, they suddenly increase, and the symptoms may become more severe than the initial ones.
Acute sinusitis is usually caused by colds, allergies or viruses. It can also be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection that blocks the sinuses and allows them to swell.
Treatment of acute sinusitis consists of:
- Nasal sprays and decongestants. They should not be used for more than three days in a row unless your doctor tells you otherwise. An overdose of nasal sprays and decongestants can affect your ability to smell.
- Drink as much liquid as possible.
- Rest at home
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Ibuprofen is one of the best options as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flush the nasal passages with saline. You should repeat this procedure for a long time to achieve the effect.
Acute sinusitis can also be treated with antibiotics, but only if the sinus episode is caused by a bacterial infection. Otherwise, antibiotics will not affect the condition.
Subacute sinusitis
Subacute sinusitis occurs when symptoms usually last from one to three months. It mainly appears due to seasonal allergies and bacterial infections.
Recurrent acute sinusitis
Recurrent acute sinusitis is a type of sinusitis that often recurs. Typically, recurrent acute sinusitis occurs at least four times a year, and symptoms usually persist for at least fourteen days.
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is different from acute sinusitis. The difference is that chronic sinusitis is usually active for more than three months, unlike acute sinusitis, which resolves in a couple of days.
Chronic sinusitis is also different from recurrent sinusitis because the symptoms of chronic sinusitis persist for a very long time.
There are other factors that can contribute to chronic sinusitis. We can list them:
- Blocked nasal passages. The passages in the nose that carry air can be blocked due to asthma, allergies, or other special conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
- Infections. Any bacterial, viral, or fungal infection can actually cause a prolonged bout of chronic sinusitis.
- The structure of your nose. If your nose is abnormally shaped, it may make you prone to chronic sinusitis. By malformed nose, we mean, for example, a deviated septum, which can greatly affect your ability to breathe and exhale.
- Polyps. Although polyps are one of the more annoying components of the respiratory system, they are also another specific ingredient in chronic sinusitis.
- Immune system. Unfortunately, a weak immune system makes you prone to developing various conditions. One condition that a weak immune system can become is chronic sinusitis.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis are usually:
- Constant feeling of pressure in the upper part of the face; mainly in the area of the nose, eyes and forehead.
- Sensation of mucus running down throat.
- Profuse yellow or green discharge from the nose.
- Pain in teeth, ears and persistent headaches.
- Cough.
- Weakness.
- Loss of taste and smell.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis can be all of the above or only some of them. The symptoms of chronic sinusitis can greatly affect your daily life. Because chronic sinusitis lasts so long, the symptoms can also cause depression. What’s more, since inflammation greatly affects the airways, you may also find it difficult to sleep well at night.
How is chronic sinusitis diagnosed?
Specialists can only diagnose chronic sinusitis when symptoms have been present for more than three months.
Endoscopy is sometimes used as part of the diagnostic process. This means that the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor will examine your nose using a very flexible and compact device that allows him to see deep into your nose, including your sinuses.
In some cases, when diagnosing chronic sinusitis, a CT scan or MRI is used to look for irregularities in the nose that may be causing your symptoms. The irregularities of the nose that are most often detected by computed tomography or MRI are deviated septum or polyps.
Moreover, doctors may need a biopsy to make a complete diagnosis. This means that they will take tissue or bone samples and examine them under a microscope.
It is very important to see a specialist if you have symptoms such as headache, facial pain or toothache. In addition, it is very important to consult a specialist if you have tried the treatment of the above symptoms, but it did not work. Although the aforementioned pains can be symptoms of other conditions, they can also be symptoms of chronic sinusitis. The diagnostic process can be a little tricky for a healthcare provider, so seeing an ENT doctor can help you improve your health.
Treatment of chronic sinusitis
Usually, chronic sinusitis is not the result of a bacterial infection. But sometimes it happens. In such situations, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin.
Otherwise, the most common procedures known to treat and treat sinusitis are:
Avoidance of potential triggers such as allergies;
Use intranasal corticosteroid sprays and leukotriene antagonists to reduce inflammation.
Treatment of conditions that may contribute to chronic sinusitis, such as allergies, asthma, or immunodeficiency conditions, such as with topical antihistamines.
Correction of a deviated nasal septum or removal of polyps through surgery.
Performing a sinus ostium balloon expansion, which consists of inserting a balloon into the affected sinus. As it inflates, more space is left in the sinus.
Chronic sinusitis is treatable and can be completely cured. To do this, you will probably need to go through several procedures.
What’s more, it’s important to know that chronic sinusitis is not necessarily a life-threatening condition, but can sometimes be really harmful. The infection that causes chronic sinusitis can spread to the bones, brain, or even the spine.
Sinusitis surgery
Sinusitis is usually treated with medication. Unfortunately, there are cases where conventional treatment is ineffective. In such situations, sinus surgery may be required. In most sinus surgeries, this procedure was used to treat chronic sinusitis because the symptoms were recurring and persistent.
Sinus surgery is the process of creating more space between the sinuses and the nasal passages. Surgery for sinusitis actually involves removing parts of the nasal structure that prevent normal mucus drainage, such as sinus tissue, bones, or even polyps. After sinus surgery, it will be easier for air to enter and the mucus can come out normally.
There are currently three types of sinus surgery:
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). This type of sinus surgery is the most popular among patients suffering from chronic sinusitis. The surgeon uses an endoscope to look inside the nose and sinuses. The surgeon receives live images from your nostrils throughout the procedure. When the surgeon determines the element that needs to be removed in order to unblock the drainage from the sinuses, he constantly uses the endoscope. He will use small instruments to remove sinus tissue, bone, or a polyp that is blocking the flow of mucus. It can also correct a deviated septum to help you regain your ability to breathe. This procedure usually lasts about two hours, after which at least one night of hospitalization is required. In addition to allowing you to breathe normally again, this procedure also has the advantage of leaving no scars or scarring.
- Image-guided sinus surgery. This procedure is also an endoscopic sinus surgery, but it is mainly used when the area of the procedure is very close to the eyes or brain. Therefore, it is essential that the surgeon’s precision be at the highest possible level with every movement. All intervention will be carried out using a computer. This means that a sinus CT scan will be performed at the very beginning of the procedure. The result of the CT scan will be downloaded to the computer to which the instruments are also connected. In this way, the CT scan will work like a map, where the surgeon will see exactly where the instruments are in your sinuses. This type of procedure provides a high level of precision when removing tissue or bone and also helps preserve nearby structures. Image-guided sinus surgery takes about two hours and requires general anesthesia.
- Balloon sinusoplasty . This type of procedure is the only one that does not involve the removal of tissue or bone to unblock the sinuses. The surgeon will gently guide the balloon using a flexible endoscope through the nostrils to the affected, blocked sinus. After the balloon is delivered to the right place, it is smoothly inflated. As it inflates, it should smoothly expand the opening into the sinus, resulting in normal drainage. In most cases of chronic sinusitis, balloon sinusoplasty improves the patient’s symptoms. Unfortunately, in more severe cases, surgeons may decide to perform this procedure in conjunction with endoscopic sinus surgery or under image guidance. Balloon sinusoplasty is also performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about an hour.
Frontal sinusitis
Frontal sinusitis occurs when the sinuses behind the eyes and on the forehead become inflamed.
Causes of frontal sinusitis:
- Bacterial infection;
- Viral infection;
- Allergy;
- Deviation of the nasal septum;
- Polyps.
Sinusitis with polyps
Sinusitis with polyps is an inflammation of the sinuses that usually lasts more than 12 weeks.
Polyps usually swell and enlarge, occupying 75% to even 90% of the nasal cavity, and they are the main cause of chronic sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis usually requires surgery to remove polyps. As the polyps shrink, the symptoms of sinusitis improve.
Allergic sinusitis
Allergic sinusitis can be either acute or chronic. Allergic sinusitis usually occurs during childhood and is a reaction to exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, smoke, or wool.
General symptoms of allergic sinusitis:
- Itching in the nose, throat or eyes;
- Nasal congestion;
- Limited smell and taste;
- Headache, soreness, swelling and pressure around forehead, cheeks, nose and between eyes;
- Insomnia.
No one is born with allergies, but they can develop over time, depending on the environment. To relieve the symptoms of allergic sinusitis, it is very important to treat the sinusitis first.
Sinusitis or allergies?
Allergies and sinusitis can often co-occur as allergies are known to cause inflammation of the sinuses.
The main difference between sinusitis and allergies is that allergies occur as an immune system reaction to allergens such as dust, pollen or animal dander. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses caused by a blockage or infection of the nasal passages.
Symptoms that help identify sinusitis as they do not occur with any allergy:
- Pain around cheeks and eyes;
- Thick yellow or green discharge;
- Inability to blow nose;
- Pain in teeth;
- High temperature;
- Bad breath.
Sinus drainage
The discomfort you may feel during a sinus attack can be very annoying. Fortunately, you have several options for clearing your sinuses. If you suffer from sinusitis, you should:
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. Hydration will cause the mucus to become thinner and more likely to drain from the sinuses.
- Take long, hot showers.
- Inhale steam, preferably from a pot of boiled water.
- Try a vaporizer or humidifier.
- Keep a warm, damp towel on your face; it can unblock the nasal passages and reduce discomfort.
- Use saline nasal spray.
- At night, try to sleep with your head slightly higher than your body so that your sinuses can drain more easily.
Sinusitis and dizziness
Sinusitis dizziness can occur if the Eustachian tube becomes filled with mucus. The Eustachian tube is part of the system that helps maintain balance. Because the sinuses cannot drain properly during a sinus attack, mucus can stop in many areas of the ears, nose, and throat, including the Eustachian tube.
If the Eustachian tube fills up with mucus, you may feel dizzy or even fall because you no longer have balance.
Sinus pain
Pain is one of the main characteristics of sinusitis. The pain associated with sinusitis can be felt all over the face, depending on which sinus is inflamed. With sinusitis, you may experience pain mostly above and below your eyes, but also behind your nose.
Due to inflammation and swelling, the characteristic pain of sinusitis is accompanied by a dull pressure in the forehead, on both sides of the nose, in the upper jaw, between the eyes, or even in the teeth.
Prevention of sinusitis
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle; eat healthy food and always maintain water balance;
- Smoking cessation;
- Avoid contact with allergens;
- Flushing the nasal passages with saline;
- Keeping the tissues of the nose moist (you can use a humidifier for this).
Sinusitis during pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is important to avoid any health problems whenever possible. In addition, it is very important to avoid the use of various drugs that can adversely affect pregnancy, depending on the toxicological profile of the drug and the trimester of pregnancy in which the woman is.
Since sinusitis can occur at any time, it can be a little more stressful and difficult during pregnancy. The key message is that most over-the-counter drugs should be safe to consume. For example, headache symptoms from sinusitis can be relieved with acetaminophen. You can also use some decongestants; antihistamines; expectorants or cough suppressants, but only on the advice of a doctor. It is also very important to note that aspirin and ibuprofen are not recommended during pregnancy.
Conclusion
While any sinus attack can be very uncomfortable and uncomfortable, it’s important to know that if it’s well treated, you can get rid of it once and for all. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, an ENT can help you improve your symptoms. In the worst case, surgery will be required. Usually, any sinus surgery takes no more than 2 hours, and there are no scars left after the procedure.
In any case, if your symptoms last more than 4 weeks, you should consult your doctor.
Sinusitis: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment of sinusitis
Nasal congestion is common, but chronic nasal congestion often becomes a big and intractable problem. Insoluble because a person tries to cope with such a “trifle” on his own and sometimes brings himself to a state that is difficult for a professional to cope with. The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the bones of the skull, lined with a mucous membrane, communicating with the nasal cavity and being voice resonators. There are a paired maxillary or maxillary sinus (the largest), a paired frontal sinus, sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses. Sinusitis is the general term for inflammation of the mucous membranes of one or all of the paranasal sinuses. Sinusitis can be: sinusitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary or maxillary sinus), frontal sinusitis (inflammation of the frontal sinus), sphenoiditis (inflammation of the sphenoid sinus) and ethmoiditis (inflammation of the ethmoid labyrinth). The disease can be unilateral or bilateral, with the involvement of one sinus in the process or the defeat of all paranasal sinuses on one or both sides – the so-called pansinusitis. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic.
Acute sinusitis
The most common cause of acute sinusitis is acute respiratory infections (ARVI), which can be caused by influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, staphylococci, and other pathogens. In acute inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, as a result of swelling of the mucous membrane of the sinuses, the sinus outlet is closed and the infection accumulates in the sinus without a free exit, which leads to the development of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses. Acute sinusitis is manifested by headache, fever, congestion and purulent discharge from the nose, swelling of the soft tissues of the face in the area of the affected sinus.
Chronic sinusitis
In chronic sinusitis, the causative agent of the disease is often a mixed infection, there is a combination of bacterial and fungal infections. In the development of chronic sinusitis, the presence of chronic foci of infection in the body (chronic tonsillitis, inflammatory processes of the dentoalveolar system, etc. ), decreased ventilation of the paranasal sinuses, is of great importance, which support the inflammatory process, as well as a decrease in the general reactivity of the body.
Clinical manifestations of sinusitis must be confirmed by laboratory data (signs of inflammation in the blood, sowing discharge from the nose in chronic processes) and radiological (radiological signs of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses) data
In the treatment of acute sinusitis and exacerbation of chronic sinusitis, general and local therapy is used (decongestants, antiseptics, mucolytics for local use). Sinus drainage is essential. The methods of drainage used depend on the form of the inflammatory process. Recently, the vacuum displacement technique has often been used to wash the sinuses. It is mandatory to prescribe a general anti-inflammatory therapy using homeopathic and other auxiliary drugs. According to indications, a wide arsenal of physiotherapeutic procedures is used. It is possible to use sparing surgical interventions.