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:
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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.
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Sleep issues are common in individuals with chronic sinusitis and not obtaining quality sleep could hurt your mood even more.
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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.
Sinus Infection Signs And Symptoms You Need To Know
Sinus infection symptoms overlap so much with allergy, cold, and flu symptoms that it can be hard to differentiate between them all. A runny and itchy nose, congestion, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, fever, and phlegm are pretty standard across the board. But there are some unique symptoms that can help you determine if youve got a sinus infectiona bacterial infection that usually needs to be treated with antibiotics.
A sinus infection usually starts as a virus, like the cold or flu. The virus then makes your mucous so thick that it doesnt cycle through your system like it normally would. Bacteria then overgrows in that mucous. Thats how a virus turns into a bacterial infection, Erich Voigt, M.D., director of the division of general otolaryngology at NYU Langone Medical Center, tells SELF.
Since the initial virus wont respond to antibiotics, doctors want to make sure youre actually experiencing a bacterial infection before they give you meds. Theyll usually want to confirm your symptoms have lasted long enough and may also take a culture of your sinus mucous to check for bacteria.
So how can you tell when youve got a sinus infection? Here are the sinus infection symptoms to look out for.
Your symptoms will also become more sinus-focused when a sinus infection develops. The congestion and stuffiness may get worse, and mucous coming out of the nose may be more productive and discolored, Voigt says.
Those symptoms include these, from the Mayo Clinic:
Contact Houston Ent & Allergy Services To Treat Your Chronic Sinusitis
Houston ENT & Allergy Services promises to provide compassionate and quality healthcare. We provide comprehensive surgical and medical treatment to patients with disorders and diseases of the ear, nose and throat, including chronic sinusitis. We’ve grown into one of the largest ENT groups nationwide and consists of board-certified doctors committed to providing you with professional and expert care in the Greater Houston metropolitan area at any of our 12 locations.
If you think you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis or would like more information about our services, contact Houston ENT & Allergy Services today.
Article by: Patricia A. Maeso, MD
Dr. Maeso is Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. She completed medical school where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She completed an internship in General Surgery and residency training in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. Following residency, she completed further subspecialty training in Rhinology at the prestigious Georgia Health Sciences University.
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Youre Congested Because: You Have A Sinus Infection
As far as infections go, viral infections are one of the most frequent causes of irritation in the nose, which makes tissues swollen and inflamed, says Dr. Roditi. However, the source can also be fungal or bacterial. Many people mistake their sinus infection symptomsfor allergies or a cold or flu, reported a survey from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Because a chronic episode can last more than 12 weeks, you shouldnt wait long to seek help. If your symptoms and congestion are lingering and you dont feel like youre getting better in seven to 10 daysparticularly if youre getting high fevers or serious head pain, see your doctor. Your body can fight off a lot of infections. Not everyone will need a medication or an antibiotic, but you want to get checked out if its not going away, says Dr. Roditi. These are the symptoms of a sinus infection you should recognize.
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Sinus Pain And Pressure Causes
There are different types of sinuses, each of which can cause different sinus pain symptoms. The images below show what causes sinus pressure in different areas of your face, neck and head and can be helpful to pinpoint relief or discuss with your doctor.
Frontal
Maxillary sinuses causes pain in the cheeks, upper jaw or teeth.
Sphenoid
Sphenoid sinuses causes pain behind the eyes, on the top of the scalp or along the back of the head.
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Why You Keep Getting Sinus Infections Colds Urinary Tract Infections And Other Recurrent Infections With Dr Elizabeth Boham
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Many of us wonder why we keep getting sick and repeatedly suffer from recurrent infectionswhether it be sinus infections, ear infections, urinary tract infections, cold and flu, or a range of other infections. While conventional medicine typically treats these infections with antibiotics, Functional Medicine digs deeper to determine the cause of the infection and what can be done to eliminate it.
In this mini-episode, Dr. Hyman is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Boham to discuss the Functional Medicine approach to breaking the cycle of recurrent infections and how to make ourselves more immune resilient.
In this episode, Dr. Hyman and Dr. Boham discuss:
For more information visit drhyman.com/uwc
I hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did. Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD is the Founder and Director of The UltraWellness Center, the Head of Strategy and Innovation of Cleveland Clinics Center for Functional Medicine, and a 13-time New York Times Bestselling author.
If you are looking for personalized medical support, we highly recommend contacting Dr. Hymans UltraWellness Center in Lenox, Massachusetts today.
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What To Do When You Have Sinus Issues
Question: How do I know if I have a sinus infection? What are the signs that I need to help?Answer: Sinus infections symptoms can overlap with lots of other conditions, for example, migraines, common cold and general facial discomfort for other reasons. Though discolored drainage can be a sign of a sinus infection, it doesnt necessarily mean that you have one. The duration of your symptoms can be the best indicator. If symptoms continue longer than seven to ten days that you cannot treat at home with over-the-counter medicines, then it would be time to see a medical professional for potential antibiotics.
Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about sinus issues?Answer: Whether you start with an allergist or otolaryngologist to discuss your sinus issues, it is important to find out the root cause of your sinus problems. Knowing that can better inform treatment for your symptoms.
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Sore Throat And Cough
The fluid trickling down your throat can cause irritation and produces a cough. When you lie down at night, you’ll experience more flow of fluid down the back of your throat, making your cough worse. Post-nasal drip could also make your voice sound hoarse and possibly cause a sore throat and bad breath.
What Can I Do About Recurring Sinus Headaches
Many sinus headaches, especially those that recur, are actually migraines. But its smart to see your healthcare provider to figure out the cause of your headaches.
You may find that the best long-term solution is figuring out what triggers your migraine headaches so you can avoid them. Its helpful to keep a headache diary to track potential triggers. Triggers you can control include:
- Specific foods, such as chocolate, red wine or strong cheese.
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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, youll 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 its time to see someone for your sinusitis symptoms, consider Virtuwell.com our online clinic thats 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 dont want to leave the house, you can make it a video visit.
Reduced Sense Of Taste And Smell
Sense of smell is an especially essential thing to address and unfortunately, it’s frequently not addressed. Changes in smell/taste or loss of taste and smell because of sinusitis can be extremely frustrating, particularly when there’s a lot going on in your life.
Being able to smell impacts your ability to taste. Both work together, therefore, when you can’t smell, your taste buds can’t detect many flavors. An ongoing process in the sinuses or nose, such as chronic sinusitis, is the most common cause of loss of smell.
Some individuals with this issue report their sense of smell comes back after showering or exercising. But, it’s only temporary relief. Others report a temporary improvement with medicine like corticosteroids or antibiotics.
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What Can I Do To Find Relief From A Sinus Infection
- Place a warm compress over your face to help relieve pressure.
- Breathe in steam by placing a towel over your head and leaning over a bowl or sink full of hot water to allow the steam to relieve congestion. WARNING: Make sure that the water is not too hot because steam can cause burns.
- Rinse the sinuses. Dr. Takashima recommends using the squeeze bottle over the neti pot for effective nasal irrigation.
- Keep the nasal passages moist by using a saline nasal spray.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
How Long Do Sinus Headaches Last
Viruses cause most sinus infections. A viral sinus infection typically resolves on its own. Similar to how the common cold clears up by itself, your sinus headache should feel better within about a week. If it doesnt go away, see your healthcare provider. You may have a bacterial or fungal sinus infection that requires medication.
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How Long Should It Take For A Bad Sinus Infection To Go Away
Before we delve into what to do when your sinusitis wont go away, lets figure out whether you have a sinus infection in the first place. The symptoms shared between the common cold, chronic sinusitis, and chronic allergies, are similar making it rather difficult to deduce which culprit is causing your sinus issues.
One major differentiator, however, is time. A cold should go away within a week. If your cold lasts longer than 7-10 days, its likely that your cold has either turned into a bacterial sinus infection, or you actually had a sinus infection from the very beginning. Whatever the case, if your symptoms persist for more than a week, its best to see a doctor.
Once your doctor determines treatment, your sinus infection symptoms should begin to subside within a few days.
Your Sinusitis Keeps Coming Back Because You Dont Have An Accurate Diagnosis
If the infection lasts longer than a couple of weeks or the pain is becoming unbearable, seek medical treatment immediately. Accurate diagnosis is key to treating sinusitis, especially when the infections return over and over again. You can treat allergies all you want, but a polyp, deviated septum, or other anatomical abnormalities in the nasal passages wont disappear without more expert treatment.
A comprehensive examination of the nose and sinus passages by a specialist is necessary to evaluate the correct diagnosis and cause of your symptoms. In some cases, what has been previously diagnosed as a sinus issue has, in fact, been caused by another issue. Identifying the correct diagnosis is the first step to feeling better.
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When Is Sinus Surgery Needed
If the thought of surgery makes you more miserable, dont worry its only needed for more chronic or complex cases. If prescription treatments dont work, your doctor will refer you to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose and throat doctor. They can try other approaches to take care of your infection, including sinus surgery. There, they can remove swollen tissue, 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.
Is My Sinus Infection Making Me Tired
You feel worn-out, no matter how much sleep you get. Youre sluggish throughout the day. On top of that, every little thing seems to bug you. So whats going on? In some cases surprisingly it might be sinus infection fatigue.
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, have long been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, a health condition in which no amount of sleep seems to keep you your normal, alert self.
Sometimes, the fatigue that comes with a sinus infection can be extreme, and other sinusitis symptoms can lead to trouble sleeping, making the situation worse.
If you know youre dealing with a sinus infection or if you just cant shake that tired feeling get the advice of a doctor. There are certain home remedies, medicines and surgical options that could offer help.
In the meantime, if youre trying to get some much-needed shuteye while dealing with a sinus infection, here are some tips.
- Sleep on your back, propped up with a few pillows. Elevating your head and neck can help your sinuses drain easier.
- Use a humidifier. Dry air can worsen sinusitis symptoms, so keep those moisture levels up.
- Try herbal teas. Caffeine-free teas like chamomile, eucalyptus and lavender can soothe you and your sinuses. Plus, inhaling a bit of steam from your cup can help loosen your nasal passages.
- Resist technology. It can be tempting to jump on your phone, tablet or laptop when your symptoms are preventing you from sleeping, but the light can disrupt your system and keep you up longer.
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Could Omicron Lead To Long Covid
Though much remains unknown about omicron, experts say the variant could lead to long Covid, even with a mild case.
Patients with long-term symptoms can experience crushing fatigue, irregular heart rhythms and other issues months after their initial Covid infection. This occurred during the first wave of the pandemic, and has continued to lead to long Covid issues through the delta wave.
We should assume that this variant can do the same thing that previous variants have until proven otherwise, Lee, of CUNY, said.
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Treatment For Sinusitis From A Gp
If you have sinusitis, a GP may be able to recommend other medicines to help with your symptoms, such as:
- steroid nasal sprays or drops â to reduce the swelling in your sinuses
- antihistamines â if an allergy is causing your symptoms
- antibiotics â if a bacterial infection is causing your symptoms and you’re very unwell or at risk of complications
You might need to take steroid nasal sprays or drops for a few months. They sometimes cause irritation, sore throats or nosebleeds.
A GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist if, for example, you:
- still have sinusitis after 3 months of treatment
- keep getting sinusitis
- only have symptoms on 1 side of your face
They may also recommend surgery in some cases.
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Tired All The Time: Sinusitis And Chronic Fatigue
We have all experienced fatigue. Between long work hours and the demands of family, many find themselves exhausted at the end of each day. However, the pace of modern life may not always be to blame. If you are having symptoms such as feeling exhausted after walking two blocks, having chronic sore throats and muscle pain, or feeling heavy and sluggish rather than rested after a nights sleep, you may be experiencing chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue syndrome disrupts work and family life for hundreds of thousands of people.
The causes of chronic fatigue remain a mystery, but some research suggests that for many sufferers the answer may be right under, or more accurately inside, their noses. People who suffer from sinusitis often list chronic fatigue as one of their most troubling symptoms, equal to facial pain and a blocked nose. If you have symptoms of chronic fatigue, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have a history of sinusitis?
- Do you feel facial pressure or have frontal headaches?
- Do you have unexplained body pain?