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Allergies, sinus infection and dizziness

by stacia123, Sep 05, 2006 12:00AM
In May I began to have dizzy spells which coincided with a sore throat and earache, which cleared up on their own. However, dizziness and fatigue continued for several weeks. The dizziness resembled being carsick, with lightheadedness and occasional moments of nausea and feeling faint (but I never passed out).  I had a CAT scan and blood work twice, and so far no diagnosis for the dizziness/fatigue.  It got better for a few weeks but last week I began to have dizzy spells again, this time accompanied by maxillary sinus pressure.  I had just switched allergy medications, from Nasonex to generic Flonase, right at the time my symptoms returned.  Could allergies have led to a sinus infection?  Can the sinus infection cause dizziness and fatigue?



Due to the holiday weekend I haven't been able to call my doctor, but after 3 prior visits he's never suggested sinuses to be a cause.
Member Comments (79)

by athleet3, Sep 06, 2006 12:00AM
I had the same thing. (See my 9/6/06 post)My ENT doesn't think my sinus infection is causing my dizziness so I can relate to your frustration. I know that allergies can cause a sinus infection and I've read posts that sinus infection causes dizziness but I guess my ENT doesn't think so.

by stacia123, Sep 07, 2006 12:00AM
Sounds like we have a similar problem.  How long did it take for your doctor to recommend an ENT?  I'm probably going to try some antibiotics next, but then if they don't work would like to go to an ENT but my GP hasn't even mentioned it yet.  I've seen some webpages saying you have to have 4 infections in a year before an ENT will see you, I hope that's not true.



I can definitely empathize with how you feel.  I've been so upset by this, really depressed and frustrated and bored from not feeling like I can physically do the things I could do just 6 months ago.  Hang in there, though, we'll get this figured out.  Thanks for your post.

by athleet3, Sep 08, 2006 12:00AM
I saw my GP three times and took about 4 rounds of antibiotics before he gave up on me and sent me to a ENT for my dizziness.

The ENT gave up on me after 2 visits and is sending me to a neurologist. I just called the ENT myself and made the appointment. They didn't ask how many infections I had or anything. So I would say open the phone book and call a few unless your doc gives you a referal.

How long have you had the dizziness? For me it's going on 4 months. I have 2 little kids and I haven't played with them all summer because I get so dizzy. I just want to know it's not life threatening and it can be treated. I called the neurologist to find out what they plan to do and they said they are going to mainly look at my MRI,CT and ENG and ask me a bunch of questions and go from there. I've read online that a infected middle ear matches what I have, but I have yet to hear from anyone who's actually gone through it.

by stacia123, Sep 12, 2006 12:00AM
I've had mine since May and right now it seems to be responding to antibiotics, but my ears are still occasionally full and they hurt a bit, so I expect the ear problem will come back.  What I've heard is that dizziness is usually not dangerous but there's not a lot of research on chronic dizziness, either.  Good luck, if it's an ear issue I think there's a lot of treatment for it.

by Mommybug, Sep 15, 2006 12:00AM
Been suffering from some dizziness/vertigo for the last year, roughly.  Went to primary, then to ENT & allergist, who suggested I see a neurologist, who then informed me that most cases of vertigo w/out a "serious" cause are caused by inflammation of the 8th cranial nerve (a benign condition, other than for the symptoms it causes.)  What happens is, in sensitive people, when they get a (usually) cold virus, it inflames the nerve temporarily (meaning anywhere from a day to 3 weeks) and causes the dizziness.  Treatment is aimed at symptoms, usually w/ meclizine, which can be purchased over the counter or by prescription.



Also, I've had 2 brain scans (MRI's w/ contrast) and they've both been negative.  Think you have to get the scans WHILE the dizziness is going on, if ya wait to long the inflammation goes down.  



Hope this helps.  Good luck.

by Sharilee2, Oct 01, 2006 12:00AM
I have terrific allergies and am very susceptible to colds, as well. 10 years ago I had an intense cold that lasted for several months. Toward the end of the cold I developed a nasty case of what my primary care called "vestibular neuronitis." Either fluid backed up into my ears or the pressure from the inflammation throughout my sinuses caused balance problems. The dizziness lasted for 4 months. It took awhile, but my primary care figured out the best treatment was antibiotics, antihistamine, decongestant, and klonopin (a form of valium that relaxes the nerves and stops the dizziness). I found that meclizine was useless.



A few weeks ago, the problem occurred again. This time my allergies had just kicked in from exposure to extreme mold and hay fever season. There's no infection this time because we caught it early, so I'm just on an antihistamine/decongestant, a 2nd antihistamine, and klonopin. I am slowly improving.



I have a new primary care who understands the issue. But she decided to send me to an ENT, just to be safe. I was so annoyed when he said there is no proven connection between allergies and dizziness. He's now ordered an MRI and additional balance tests and has started talking about ruling out tumors, etc.



Thanks for sharing your stories. It always surprises me how many non-allergist MD's don't understand how allergies can affect the body.

by LMND, Oct 17, 2006 12:00AM
I was glad to read I am not alone.  I have been having all the symptoms you-all describe, sinus pressure in face, ear hurting, just feel bad and extreme fatigue, sometimes dizzy, for 3 months.  Three rounds of antibiotics, over the counter allergy meds, my family Dr. sent me to an ENT who diagnosed rhinitis - gave me steroid nasal spray and nasal spray antahistamine - which did not help.  I've been using nasal saline irrigation.  Started on vitamins.  I'm now on Prednisone.  After a day and a half I'm starting to feel relief, but I take it for 6 days and I'm scared to death I'll be right back where I was and I'll have no time to build myself back up where I'm so run down from this. I am scheduled for the allergy tests, which I believe 99% of people are allergic to dust, grass, etc., and I'm sure I will have to have shots, which I will do just in case there is a possibility it will help a little.  I'm at wits' end.  If any of you get relief or help please post it, as I will.  If it's viral it should be gone by now!

by jjkee, Oct 27, 2006 12:00AM
To: lmnd
I too have had sinus issues and dizziness the past few months.  Family Dr gave several rounds of Anti-biotics, did not work. Tested Hormone levels blood glucose levels, thyroid  total cbc. They were normal. I was referred to ENT