When To Call Your Doctor
If your fatigue prevents you from engaging in work or school, social or personal activities, then you should see your doctor, Dr. Patane says.
“When in doubt, it never hurts to speak to your doctor about this. It can be a simple evaluation, and we may be able to say there’s nothing seriously wrong and suggest lifestyle modifications,” he says. “One of the best ways to get better from fatigue is with good sleep hygiene and by slowly increasing daily exercise.”
Get Plenty Of Protein
Even if you’re trying to eat right, you may be doing it wrong. “Diet is important,” says Horesh. Fruits and vegetables fill you up with fewer calories. But they won’t give you the long-lasting energy that you get from proteins and complex, starchy carbohydrates like whole-grain breads, pasta, rice, and beans.
“A diet that is very heavy in sugars — too many sweets, junk food, cookies — is going to give you surges in energy,” she says. “But you’re also going to have a sudden drop in energy.
“For energy, you need a diet that is better balanced — higher in protein, higher in complex carbohydrates, but low in sugars and, of course, fats,” she tells WebMD.
Common Symptoms Of Chronic Sinusitis
Sinus infection is a major health issue. It impacts 31 million individuals in the U.S. alone, with Americans spending over $1 billion on OTC medications each year to treat it. Chronic sinusitis is evaluated and managed in a similar manner as acute sinusitis. Below you’ll learn more about chronic sinusitis and six of its most common symptoms.
Don’t Miss: Medicine To Take For Sinus Headache
Consider Immunotherapy Allergy Drops
While allergy medications provide short-term relief from symptoms, and often lose their effectiveness if overused, immunotherapy is a more long-term approach to allergy fatigue treatment. Immunotherapy slowly introduces the body to more and more of the allergen it is allergic to so that it builds up a tolerance and no longer reacts as strongly. Allergy shots are an older form of immunotherapy that are very effective, but this treatment has some associated risks and requires frequent office visits. Allergy drops are just as effective but can be done easily from home with daily drops under the tongue, making this one of the best ways to manage and eliminate allergies causing fatigue.
Pain Tenderness Or Pressure Around The Face
Some people believe that our sinuses are only in the nose. However, these sacs spread out around the entire nasal area and cover the space from the lower forehead all the way to the front of the cheekbones.
Because they cover a good portion of the face, you could feel pain all over this area. As mucus accumulates in the nasal passages, it may push on your nerves. As a result, you may feel tenderness, pressure, or heaviness in your face.
Read Also: How To Stay In Sinus Rhythm After Cardioversion
What Is The Best Medicine For Fatigue
As mentioned above, getting a good nights sleep can make you feel less tired during the day. You should ensure good sleep habits . If that doesnt work, over-the-counter sleep aids may help. If an OTC sleep aid doesnt do the trick, your doctor may recommend prescription sleeping pills for a short time to get your sleep schedule back on track.
Other medications that can help ease chronic fatigue syndrome and improve alertness and concentration are prescription stimulants. These medications are commonly prescribed to treat patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder .
Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome also develop depression. If you and your doctor decide that antidepressants are right for you, talk to your doctor about choosing a drug that is least likely to cause fatigue.
How Can I Tell If I Have A Sinus Infection Cold Or Nasal Allergy
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold, allergies, and a sinus infection. The common cold typically builds, peaks, and slowly disappears. It lasts a few days to a week. A cold can transform into a sinus infection. Nasal allergy is inflammation of the nose due to irritating particles . Symptoms of a nasal allergy can include sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, congestion, runny nose, and post nasal drip . Sinusitis and allergy symptoms can happen at the same time as a common cold.
If you are fighting off a cold and develop symptoms of a sinus infection or nasal allergy, see your healthcare provider. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and medical history.
Read Also: Back To Back Sinus Infections
When Should I Go See The Doctor About A Sinus Infection
It is pretty easy to care for most sinus conditions on your own. However, if you continue to have symptoms that concern you or if your infections continue to happen, your primary care doctor might suggest you see a specialist. This could also happen if your CT scan shows something that does not look right.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Sinusitis, or swelling of the tissues of the sinus cavities, is a common condition with many causes, including viruses and bacteria, nasal polyps or allergies. Signs and symptoms may including facial pressure, fever and tiredness. You can treat symptoms at home by resting, taking over-the-counter products and increasing your fluid intake. Make sure you contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve, if sinusitis happens often or if you have any symptom that worries you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/04/2020.
References
How Is Sinusitis Treated
Sinusitis is treated in several ways, each depending on how severe the case of sinusitis is.
A simple sinusitis infection is treated with:
- Drinking fluids .
If symptoms of sinusitis don’t improve after 10 days, your doctor may prescribe:
- Oral or topical decongestants.
- Prescription intranasal steroid sprays. .
Long-term sinusitis may be treated by focusing on the underlying condition . This is usually treated with:
- Intranasal steroid sprays.
- Topical antihistamine sprays or oral pills.
- Leukotriene antagonists to reduce swelling and allergy symptoms.
- Rinsing the nose with saline solutions that might also contain other types of medication.
When sinusitis isn’t controlled by one of the above treatments, a CT scan is used to take a better look at your sinuses. Depending on the results, surgery may be needed to correct structural problems in your sinuses. This is most likely to happen if you have polyps and/or a fungal infection.
Recommended Reading: Is Dizziness A Symptom Of Sinus Infection
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.
Also Check: Fatigue Falling Asleep During The Day
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The term chronic fatigue syndrome is not necessarily a diagnosis in itself. Rather, its a label to identify a group of symptoms caused by an unidentified underlying condition.
A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is often a diagnosis of exclusion. Meaning, doctors will first rule out other potential conditions that can cause fatigue, such as hypothyroidism, sleep deprivation, or adrenal burnout, before diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome.
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is often multifactorial and different in each individual. Researchers have identified several underlying issues that can contribute to the root cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, including: 2,3,4
- Poor immune system response
- Increased activity in mast cells
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Oxidative stress
- Hormonal imbalances
Nearly all of the identified potential root causes have something in common. They all share a common pathway of dysfunctional immune activation and long-term inflammation.
Read Also: What Kind Of Doctor For Sinus Problems
Can Allergies Cause Fatigue And Dizziness
Another frequently overlooked potential symptom of allergies is that of dizziness. Your nasal passageways and middle ear are connected via a tube called the Eustachian tube, which plays a role in providing you with balance. When your allergies start acting up, your Eustachian tube may be affected, causing dizziness and even vertigo.
Pain And Pressure Around Face
Many people think that our sinuses are located just in the nose. The truth is that these sacs cover much more space around our nasal area from the lower forehead down to the front of the cheekbones.
Due to the fact that they cover a great part of the face, you might feel discomfort all over this location. As mucus builds up in the nasal passages, it might press on your nerves. As an outcome, you might feel inflammation, pressure, or heaviness in your face. Bending over usually makes the pressure increase. Sometimes, this pressure or pain can even interfere with sleep.
Read Also: Can Chronic Constipation Cause Fatigue
Don’t Miss: Ways To Relieve Sinus Pressure In Ears
Get The Relief You Need
Recognizing common signs of a sinus infection can be helpful, but there is no substitute for getting a proper diagnosis and treatment from trusted specialists. At the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, our Board Certified specialists have extensive experience treating patients withsinus issues and a range of other conditions. You can learn more about finding the best treatment for you by booking an appointment online orcontacting us today. We serve the Atlanta metro area and beyond from multiple office locations.
How Can My Doctor Manage Fatigue
To find out what is causing your fatigue, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your lifestyle and medications and will conduct a physical examination. They might order some lab tests to test blood and urine. If you are a woman of child-bearing age, your provider will probably order a pregnancy test.
To relieve fatigue, your provider will treat the condition or disorder thatâs causing it. Depending on your health, your treatment plan may include a combination of medication, exercise, or therapy. If youâre taking a medication that makes you feel exhausted, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of stopping the medication or trying another one.
Also Check: Vitamins To Take For Fatigue
Read Also: Best Thing To Take For Sinus Congestion
Sinus Congestion Relief And Restoring Your Energy
Sinus problems are connected with dehydration, infections, and a lack of sleep, which can all lead to fatigue. A few methods are available if you want relief and to be more rested. Nasal decongestants, steroids, and even nasal irrigation can help.
There are also several natural remedies, ranging from tea to steam. Taking a hot shower can help clear out your sinuses. A humidifier provides moisture to the roombreathing this in lubricates dry nasal passages to loosen up the mucus. However, theres another proven solution that uses heat as a weapon against your sinus woes.
Sniff Relief
Set at temperatures from 100 to 140°F, the Sniff Relief mask provides an all-natural solution. Plus, it is designed for comfort. Its bendable nose bridge molds around your nose. Medication can take an hour or more to provide relief the mask begins to work immediately, distributing heat to your skin, where it enhances blood flow and is absorbed by the sinuses, loosening thick mucus.
Looking for an effective, natural nasal congestion remedy? Buy a Sniff Relief mask online today or contact us for more information.
How Severe Are The Symptoms
Most sinus infections go away on their own without severe symptoms or complications. If a sinus infection is caused by bacteria, you may need antibiotics.
Many cases of COVID-19 may be mild or moderate. The World Health Organization estimates that
Heres what to do next whether you think that you have a sinus infection or COVID-19.
Recommended Reading: Does Sinus Cause Ringing In The Ears
Sinus Infections: Your Top 5 Questions Answered
Cold and flu season isnt quite over yet. If you have congestion that includes sinus pressure, you may have a coldor it could be a sinus infection. How can you be sure that its one or the other, and when is it time to make an appointment with your doctor?
Eric L. Winarsky, M.D., an otolaryngologist and surgeon with Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, helps answer the 5 most Googled questions about nasal inflammation and sinus infections.
Dont Miss: Rotary Bending Fatigue Testing Machine
Why Rest Is Important When You Have Sinusitis
When fatigue strikes, sinusitis is often an overlooked contributor. Fighting a sinus infection requires a lot of energy, so avoid overdoing it when you have sinusitis.
Sometimes sinusitis is the result of an undiagnosed allergy. In this case, symptoms may never seem to go away or may go away only to return during certain seasons.
If youre dealing with sinusitis, visit an ear, nose, and throat specialist like our board-certified ENT physicians at Southern ENT. We provide top-quality care to patients throughout southern Louisiana. Our team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating a full range of conditions that affect your head and neck, including sinusitis.
If youre fighting a sinus infection, rest should be a top priority. In this post, we discuss sinusitis and the importance of resting when it strikes.
Don’t Miss: What To Take For Sinus Headache With High Blood Pressure
How Is Chronic Sinusitis Different From Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis comes on suddenly and is easier to recognize than chronic sinusitis. Symptoms include pain in the face, thick or discolored mucus, and usually a fever. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, comes on very slowly and insidiously. Your immune system has a chance to keep things at bay, so symptoms can be much more difficult to recognize and diagnose.
The type and severity of symptoms also vary widely for chronic sinus issues. For instance, you may have a headache and some mild nasal congestion as your only symptoms of chronic sinusitis, while another person may have a chronic cough with some hoarseness.
Why Does Having Diabetes Cause Fatigue
Having diabetes changes your blood. Imagine someone without diabetes having blood that flows like water. Now imagine someone with diabetes having blood that flows like maple syrup. When the blood flows much thicker and slower, like syrup, it is harder for cells to flow through the bloodstream to provide energy and oxygen to parts of the body, including the brain.
Diabetes also causes inflammation, which sends messages to the brain that the body needs to take a rest in order to heal. When this happens, fatigue is going to be a problem.
One of the biggest reasons that diabetes causes fatigue is because of its complications. Organs such as the kidneys, eyes, heart, and the nerves can all be damaged because of diabetes. End stage renal disease, which is when the kidneys fail, can lead to low red blood cells. Low red blood cells, which is also known as anemia, can lead to fatigue. Studies have shown that people with diabetic complications such as nerve damage, heart disease, and kidney problems have increased levels of fatigue. The next section of this article discussed more things that can cause fatigue.
You May Like: Best Medication For Sinus Pressure And Congestion
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Chronic Sinusitis And Other Issues Like Migraine Headaches
You probably cant tell the difference between all of these things. So, in cases where you have a constant headache, or facial pain, or tooth pain, you should call your healthcare provider to get a diagnosis. This is especially true if you have tried different therapies and have not been able to find relief. Your primary healthcare provider might even find it difficult to diagnose you properly and might suggest you see a specialist. This would be an otolaryngologist, commonly called an ear, nose and throat doctor.
Runny Nose And Postnasal Drip
When you have a sinus infection, you may need to blow your nose often because of nasal discharge, which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. This discharge comes from your infected sinuses and drains into your nasal passages.
The discharge may also bypass your nose and drain down the back of your throat. You may feel a tickle, an itch, or even a sore throat.
This is called postnasal drip, and it may cause you to cough at night when youre lying down to sleep, and in the morning after getting up. It may also cause your voice to sound hoarse.
Don’t Miss: Is Steam Room Good For Sinus Infection
Woke Up And Couldnt Smell The Coffee: Chronic Sinusitis And Its Effect On Mood
You are familiar with the symptoms a pounding headache, struggling to breathe, and thick nasal discharge all classic signs of another sinus infection. Chronic sinus infections are enough to get anyone feeling down, but studies show that as many as one-fourth of chronic sinusitis sufferers also suffer from depression.
Recommended Reading: Mucinex Fast Max Cold And Sinus
High Blood Pressure And Fatigue
High blood pressure can make your heart work harder and increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. either have high blood pressure or take medications to treat it. Your risk for high blood pressure increases with age.
High blood pressure is another condition that may make you feel extremely tired. Though high blood pressure is often called a silent killer, because it often doesnt cause any symptoms, some people do feel extreme fatigue. Some signs you might have high blood pressure include fatigue, lightheadedness, feeling weak, and shortness of breath.
Also, you can also feel extremely tired due to heart conditions that may be caused by high blood pressure. For example, high blood pressure can lead to coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, heart failure, and enlarged heart, all of which may cause fatigue.
When you come in for a health assessment from our womens health care providers, we screen for many different conditions to help find underlying causes of your symptoms. We check your blood pressure and can help you find treatment solutions to reduce your blood pressure and the serious risks associated with it.
Read Also: Sinus Infection Do I Need To See A Doctor