Can Sinus Infection Cause Anxiety Attacks

Chronic Sinusitis & Depression

Sinusitis occurs when the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. It is deemed chronic when symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in Mechanicsburg experience cold-like symptoms that include facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, headaches, postnasal drip, and loss of smell. Additional symptoms range from ear pain and sore throat to nausea and fatigue. Because of its unrelenting nature, people diagnosed with chronic sinusitis often experience a lower quality of life and have problems with physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning. A recent study of 16,224 patients in South Korea suggests that depression and anxiety are also common in chronic sinusitis sufferers.

The study looked at patients treated forchronic sinusitis between 2002 and 2013, alongside a comparison group of 32,448people of similar demographic who did not suffer from sinus issues. None of theparticipants had a history of depression or anxiety. Researchers discoveredthat the patients with chronic sinusitis were over 50 percent more likely todevelop depression or anxiety. Those with the worst symptoms were the most likelyto experience mental health problems.

Symptoms Of Anxiety Headaches

People living with an anxiety disorder can experience migraines or chronic tension headaches. Different types of headaches have various symptoms as follows:

1. Tension Headaches

These headaches commonly develop with anxiety and stress, but they can have other triggers. They generally improve quickly but could persist for several hours or days. Though these headaches may not be severe enough to affect your daily life, they could still negatively impact your quality of life. Symptoms include:

• Mild to moderate aching or dull pain
• Pressure behind your eyes
• Tightness in your shoulder and neck muscles
• Pressure that feels like a band tightening around your head
• Scalp tenderness

2. Migraine Headaches

Anxiety can also cause migraines. It can be challenging to determine one from the other when you get both migraines and tension headaches. Symptoms include:

• Throbbing or pulsating pain in your head
• Pain one side or part of your head or face
• Tingling on one side of your face, arm, or leg
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and strong odors

Migraines can last for days without treatment and become so severe that they prevent you from performing your daily activities. In addition, movement and physical exercise often make you feel worse.

Sinus Infection Treatment In Will County And Dupage County Illinois

If youre experiencing symptoms of sinusitis, the experts at Oak Brook Allergists can help you find relief especially if you have chronic sinusitis. Our allergy and immunology physicians and specially-trained assistants work together to provide you with the relief you need.

Make an appointment today by calling 574-0460, or you may request an appointment online.

You May Like: Signs A Sinus Infection Is Going Away

Fatigue Depression And Chronic Sinusitis

Many individuals with sinusitis will stress to you chronic sinusitis is no minor thing at all. It’s long-term symptoms can lead to fatigue with possible depression or can worsen depression in a few ways:

• As weeks of symptoms continue to drag on, the discomfort can really take a toll. If you already struggle with depression, the added stress the symptoms bring on can make it worse.

• Sleep issues are common in individuals with chronic sinusitis and not obtaining quality sleep could hurt your mood even more.

• Many individuals with this condition have allergies and studies show a possible link between allergies and depression, probably due to the inflammation-promoting immune substances an allergy attack releases.

Once you feel depressed, you may find life to be bleeker and more difficult to manage, including your sinus symptoms. Research has shown depression can enhance sinus-related issues in various ways:

When you’re experiencing both full-blown depression and chronic sinusitis, they can fuel one another and make your symptoms worse. Therefore, treating just one of these conditions might not provide you with total relief. You might have to obtain a professional diagnosis and receive treatment for both of these conditions to feel your best.

Sore Throat And Hoarse Voice

Postnasal drip can leave you with a raw and aching throat. Although it may start as an annoying tickle, it can get worse.

If your infection lasts for a few weeks or more, mucus can irritate and inflame your throat as it drips, resulting in a painful sore throat and hoarse voice. Frequent coughing and throat clearing can make a hoarse voice worse.

Don’t Miss: Sinus Pressure In Neck And Shoulders

How To Treat Anxiety Headaches

Anxiety headaches have various treatment options, depending on the type and severity. Some focus on treating the underlying causes of stress and anxiety, while others concentrate on pain relief.

1. Pain Relieving Medication

You can treat occasional tension headaches using prescription and over-the-counter pain-relief medications. Common OTC medication includes ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen . Additionally, Triptans prescription drugs treat both tension headaches and migraines by increasing serotonin levels in your brain to reduce inflammation and constricting blood vessels.

However, pain-relieving medicines can result in overuse and taking higher doses than recommended, which causes severe side effects.

2. Anti-Anxiety Medication

If OTC and prescription medications dont treat your headaches, talk to your doctor about different treatment approaches such as anti-anxiety medication to decrease the frequency and severity of persistent headaches.

3. Alternative Remedies

You can try alternative remedies such as:

• Cold compress to soothe the painful spot and resting in a dark room.
• Acupuncture addresses your bodys energy imbalances and blockages that cause pain and distress.
• Biofeedback uses electrodes on your skin to help you learn to recognize when you get stressed so you can control your response and relax areas of tension.

4. Talk Therapy

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Sinus pain lasts more than 24 hours, after using nasal washes
• Thick yellow or green pus draining from nose and not improved by nasal washes. Exception: yellow or green tinged secretions are normal.
• Sinus congestion and fullness lasts more than 14 days
• Nasal discharge lasts more than 2 weeks
• You have other questions or concerns

Also Check: Over The Counter Sinus Infection Relief

What Is Depression Can A Chronic Sinus Infection Cause Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that causes a persistently depressed mood and/or loss of interest in activities. Lots of people believe depression is just being persistently sad, but its much more than that. Its very deep sadness, while also feeling numb, with nothing bringing you joy, and having a lack of motivation to do anything. Depression is a mental disorder than some people find hard to deal with, but like anxiety, its not impossible.

Now that weve talked about what depression is, lets answer the main question at hand. Can a chronic sinus infection cause depression?

Well, the truth is, chronic anything can cause depression. When it comes to chronic illnesses, no matter what type of illness, it is possible that it will cause depression, and this is no exception.

This doesnt mean that if you have a chronic sinus infection, you will automatically develop depression. This just means its more likely you will develop depression when you have a chronic sinus infection, or any chronic infection or illnesses, as when you deal with something that is possibly very painful and bothersome, it is likely you will develop depression.

Now that weve talked all about the possible effects a sinus infection can have on a person, both physically as well as mentally and emotionally, lets discuss what you can do about a sinus infection, and how you can possibly lessen the severity of your symptoms, and what you can do to get your body through it easier.

Find Lasting Solutions To Your Stress

Even to those of us who maintain the healthiest of lifestyles experience stress. If your stress is typically accompanied by painful sinus infections, you owe it yourself to find sinusitis relief. The Houston sinus experts at Kaplan Sinus Relief can assess your needs and determine the perfect treatment for you, whether youre seeking sinus headache relief, suffering from allergy attacks, or dealing with chronic sinusitis.

As leaders of balloon sinuplasty in Houston, Kaplan Sinus Relief has helped thousands of patients regain the comfort of life without chronic sinusitis. Live beyond the stressschedule an appointment today to discover how Kaplan Sinus Relief can help you.

Location

Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of A Sinus Infection Headache

Other Remedies For Symptom Relief

Staying hydrated can help thin mucus to ease congestion.

Drinking hot liquids such as tea and broth may help relieve your symptoms. Breathing in moist air may also help relieve the discomfort that comes with nasal congestion. Try breathing in steam from the shower, a bowl of hot water, or a mug of tea.

If your voice is hoarse, rest it by avoiding yelling, whispering, and singing.

Placing a warm compress over the inflamed area can help reduce pressure and provide relief.

damages the natural protective elements of your nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory system.

If you smoke, consider quitting. Ask a doctor if you need help or are interested in quitting. Quitting may help prevent future episodes of both acute and chronic sinusitis.

Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu seasons, to keep your sinuses from becoming irritated or infected by viruses or bacteria on your hands.

Using a humidifier during the cooler, dryer months may also help prevent sinus infections.

Talk with a doctor to see if allergies are causing your sinusitis. If youre allergic to something that causes persistent sinus symptoms, you will likely need to treat your allergies to relieve your sinus infection.

You may need to seek an allergy specialist to determine the cause of the allergy. The specialist may suggest:

• avoiding the allergen
• doing allergic immunotherapy

Keeping your allergies under control can help prevent repeated episodes of sinusitis.

Can A Sinus Infection Affect Your Mood

Yes, especially if youre in pain.

Many people in pain become irritated, annoyed, frustrated, or even sad, depressed, and heavy-hearted. Infections can really mess with your mood, and like I said earlier, sinus infections are not the exception.

There are many different things that could happen to your mood if you are suffering from an infection. Everybody is different. Some people develop more anger, others get anxious, some get just plain irritated, others get sad and sometimes even depressed.

There are so many different ways of having a sinus infection could affect your mood, although typically all of them are not considered good ways. The ones I wrote about above are just a few feelings having a sinus infection could bring on, and just a few ways that having a sinus infection could affect your mood. It could go in many different directions, depending on who you are, but having an infection almost never affects your mood in a positive way, usually only negative.

But, if you experience any of these mood changes due to a sinus infection , just remember its not you. Its the infection causing it, and hopefully with treatment, when the physical symptoms get better, the mental and emotional ones will too.

You May Like: Sinus Headache And Neck Pain

Decreased Sense Of Smell And Taste

Congested sinuses will also affect your sense of smell. Breathing through your nose will be difficult, and you will be unable to smell as well as you usually do. Your sense of smell affects your ability to taste. While you will likely still be able to tell salty apart from sweet, food may taste somewhat bland when you have a sinus infection.

Can An Infection Cause Anxiety

Yes, an infection can cause anxiety, especially in cases where its chronic, where you already suffer from anxiety, or where the pain, and/or other symptoms, are at a high level. When somebody suffers from an infection, it is more likely that they will develop some type of anxiety.

There are many causes of this. Some come with anxiety listed as a symptom. Some cause anxiety due to the amount of pain or hurt they cause. After a while, that pain and hurt becomes emotional as well as physical, which can cause anxiety.

Some cause anxiety due to the fact that the person already suffers from anxiety and the infection just adds to the amount of stress they feel, so their anxiety worsens.

There are many more reasons as well, but those are just a few ways an infection can cause anxiety.

Now, lets talk about the big question were here to answer today.

Weve just talked about how infections can cause anxiety in some people, but lets get more specific, and ask the question, can sinus infections cause anxiety?

Lets discuss this and find out the answer now.

You May Like: How To Relieve Sinus Congestion Pressure Points

What Are The Symptoms Of Sinus Infections

Just like any illness, symptoms for sinus infections range depending on who you are and how your body works and reacts to the infection. However, there are a few symptoms that are very common with sinus infections. Although not everyone gets these specific symptoms, and some people get these plus other symptoms not on the list. In other words, these are typical symptoms that come with a sinus infection.

Theyre symptoms you should ask yourself if you have if you suspect you might have a sinus infection. These infection symptoms include:

If you are exhibiting signs , ask your doctor about it as soon as youre able to.

Now, since weve discussed some common symptoms of sinus infections, lets now discuss the second part of what were here to talk about and find out about today.

Mental illness, and a sinus infection. How are they connected? Lets find out now, starting with anxiety.

Should You Have Sinus Surgery

Chronic sinus problems can be linked to problems with your nasal passages, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. If there is a specific structural issue that is causing your chronic sinusitis or sinus headaches then an ENT specialist may be able to correct it surgically. In order to find out if sinus surgery is a good idea, youll need to be assessed by an ENT specialist. The doctor will check that surgery is possible and then discuss the risks and benefits with you in detail. Having the procedure could permanently improve your breathing and prevent sinus problems.

Recommended Reading: Symptoms Of Sinus Congestion And Pressure

Drugs That Can Cause Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect millions of Americans, and anxiety and panic disorders can heighten the risk for sensitivity to the effects of certain medications.

Before taking prescribed or over-the-counter medications, if you are suffering from an anxiety disorder, you should speak with your health care provider to evaluate side effects and adverse reactions, and how they might contribute to existing anxiety.

Here are four medications that may worsen the symptoms of anxiety. Talk to your physician if you are taking them. 1. Decongestants 4. Migraine Medication

Color Of Nasal Discharge With Colds

• The nasal discharge changes color during different stages of a cold. This is normal.
• It starts as a clear discharge and later becomes cloudy.
• Sometimes it becomes yellow or green colored for a few days. This is still normal.
• Colored discharge is common after sleep, with allergy medicines or with low humidity. Reason: all of these events decrease the amount of normal nasal secretions.

Read Also: Best Medicine For Sinus Congestion And Sore Throat

Sinus Issues Have You Feeling Down Balloons Can Help

Sinus issues plague many Lincolnton residents. In fact, persistent sinus infections are one of the biggest health complaints in Arizona. 37 million Americans suffer from chronic infections and the side effects arent only physical in nature these people have a higher risk of experiencing depression, according to a new study.

Types Of Sinus Infections: Chronic Vs Acute

There are four types of sinus infections. These classifications depend on the length and frequency of the infection:

• Acute sinusitis.This type of sinus infection lasts only for a short time, defined by the American Academy of Otolaryngology as less than 4 weeks. This short-term infection is usually part of a cold or other respiratory illness. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection .
• Subacute sinusitis. A subacute sinus infection lasts between 4 and 12 weeks .
• Recurrent acute sinusitis. An acute sinus infection is considered recurrent if the infection returns four or more times within a year, with each infection lasting 7 days or more.
• Chronic sinusitis.Chronic sinus infections last for more than 12 weeks or continue to recur.

Many sinus infection symptoms are common in both acute and chronic forms. Seeing a doctor is the best way to learn if you have an infection, find the cause, and get treatment.

• nasal congestion

For cases of acute bacterial sinus infections, these symptoms last at least 10 days without improving, or they worsen within 10 days after seeming to improve. In this case, its important to talk with a doctor, such as a general practitioner or an ear, nose, and throat doctor , to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Learn more about the symptoms of a sinus infection below.

Also Check: Best Medicine For Sinus Congestion And Post Nasal Drip

How To Stop Nasal Anxiety Symptoms

When anxiety affects your nose, there are two steps to treatment. Remember, there is almost no way to confirm whether or not your nasal issues are the result of anxiety or the result of allergies, a cold, etc. Until you cure your anxiety, you should treat them like you would any other health condition, and talk to your doctor to get tips on what to for your specific nasal problems.

You can also start controlling your anxiety. Here are a few ways that may have added benefits on your nasal health.

• Take a Long Shower/Bath Many people find that long showers are incredibly relaxing, especially at a hot -. So consider a very long shower or bath when you’re feeling stressed to calm your muscles and possibly clear out your sinuses.
• Breathe Better When you’re hyperventilating and you experience a tingly nose, you should respond by breathing slower and more controlled. Take about 5 seconds to breathe in and 9 seconds to breathe out in order to prevent further hyperventilation.
• Jog Jogging can actually temporarily increase nasal symptoms but it appears to be able to stop anxiety symptoms in the long run. Jogging releases endorphins which calm the mood and stimulate a healthy immune system – important for your nasal symptoms.

These are a few quick fixes. Unfortunately, they will not solve the whole problem because as long as your anxiety still affects your body, your nasal symptoms will be the result.

Was this article helpful?