Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
548980 tn?1214822412

Allergies, Sinus Problems, Dizziness, Anxiety

Ive been a mess for about 5 yrs now.  I suffer from constant sinus congestion, unsteadiness, dizziness, and anxiety.  I recently had an allergy panel done, and it came back that I am allergic to cats and dustmites, but how come everytime I go outside within minutes to an hr I get stuffy?  Are they missing something?  I have constant unsteadiness (feel like I need to lean on something or im going to fall over) and I get occasional "vertigo" spells.  These usually happen when my head is stuffed, my ears feel clogged, and i have aching in my neck.  The vertigo spells are horrible; i feel like i am falling to one side, or im spinning.  I am seeing an ENT DR, who ordered a CT scan and found a little fluid in my ear; put me on an antibiotic, but im still getting the stuffy ears w/ dizziness.  I am going to a specialist for balance testing also on july 7.  This has just been horrible...  I cant seem to get any answers or relief!  The dizzy spells and just the constant stuffiness have caused panic attacks and daily anxiety.  I am engaged and trying to plan a wedding and we had to put things on hold, because I just feel "horrible" constantly.  Any help would be truly appreciated.  I eat well, I drink lots and lots of water, I dont drink alcohol, I do smoke-which i know i need to stop, and im on Nasonex spray, Astelin Spray, Allegra, Antivert (take as needed), Klonopin and Paxel (sp?).  The Klonopin and Paxel are for the anxiety...  Thanks in advance.
11 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hi there,
I have been reading up on allergic rhinitis and anxiety symptoms as I've been battling both myself for approx  4 months now. Initially I was prescribed Nasonex after a particularly bad month of fighting an endless cold. I began having panic attacks and symptoms of depression. I spoke to my family physician after doing some of my own reading and determined that the Nasonex which is a corticosteroid may be causing side effects of anxiety and low mood. I immediately went off the Nasonex and saw a quick improvement in the level of my anxiety, however have still not felt quite myself since. I found many reviews online of others having similar scary side effects after using ?Nasonex. I have now though of course gone back to dealing with my rhinitis symptoms and post nasal drip seems to have come back two fold, leading to a constant feeling of a lump in my throat, worsening in the evenings and at bed time. Recently saw my family physician again and she was quick to prescribe medication for anxiety treatment but I am now considering the possibility that my anxiety is strongly correlated to my experience of allergy symptoms (stuffed nose, lump in throat sensation, post nasal drip). Have yet to see an allergy specialist but it is the next thing on my to-do list. Just thought I'd share my experience in case you can see any possible solutions to your struggles through mine. Hope you get well soon.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hi after reading all of the above. i feel the same. Im getting married in 6months & im worried sick about it.. i feel dizzy, feel like im just about to 'pass out' but i never do. the top of my nose feels full of pressure. eyes feel heavy and sometimes loose my awareness. Feel like if i turn too quickly i'll be out on the floor...
i went to the drs and he put me on some tablets for vertigo.
my cousin had all of this and had to have an operation thought it was something behind his skull took some of it away then put the pipe in his nose and he just had a lot of sinusitus in there.
what has everyone tried? do the sprays and nasal stick work?
i feel like i've had this for years..... im only 24!! x shell x
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hello sorry to hear about you affliction i to have had the same symptoms for about 3 months have not yet found a cure but taking allergy de-conjestion pills have help me a whole lot you can just feel the meds working pushing everything clear, and i found it is best to take them right before bed if i have any pressure in my head. now for the anxiety i find once my head is clear taking deep breaths often through the day help just make sure when you take them stomach expands and shoulders are kept down. until we find a cure maybe these things will help you like they help me. good luck. Kevin Offley
Helpful - 0
595570 tn?1219415451
Hi,

Sorry to hear about your severe allergies.  I know of an item you can try that is natural and will not have any of the side effects like those of the antibiotics.  It is a Agaricus mushroom extract called Agarigold.  I know that it boosts your immune system and will combat your allergies.  Succumbing to allergies is a result of a compromised immune system.

You can read what is can do here, as well as what it has done for others:
http://****.***

I hope this helps,

**** ****
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Long shot, do you sleep on a memory foam mattress or pillow?  If yes, blog allergies to tempurpedic.  I have been having the same symptoms and I was told this.  I stopped sleeping on my mattress last night so I don't know for sure, but like you I will try anything!!!
Helpful - 0
548980 tn?1214822412
thanks ill try it!  ill try anything!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi I may not be able to help with your anxiety but for your nasal problems....something that has worked for me, bath for twenty minutes in sea salts (200g) or more. I have found that this has an amazing effect upon my nasal problems.
Hope it helps you ....just try it, it takes 24 hrs for the effect to kick in.

Good Luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Are you stuffed up all year round?  I to am allergic to dust mites and dogs - have been getting allergy shots for over a year and they do nothing for me.  My allergist and ENT doctor told me that all my congestion and post nasal drainage 24/7 is from Vasomotor rhinitis.  Mine NEVER stops, constant post nasal drainage along with swelling under eyes up to cheek bone area - as well as the outside - sides of nose.  I heard that most people don't get the swelling from vasomotor rhinits unless the congestion is really bad.  Does perfume, cleaning supplies, diseal fumes from trucks bother your nose as well as wheather changes?  When you sleep do you get stuffed up (congested) on one side of your nose but then the other side feels open?  Ask ENT about vasomotor rhinitis, there is not nothing that helps me, but maybe nasal rinses and steroid nasal sprays would help you.    Take care and let me know what doctor says.     Laaz
Helpful - 0
548980 tn?1214822412
Thanks for the support and the information!  I am all done my antibiotics, ive been off them for 5 days now.  i was on antibiotics 2 months ago also for the same thing.  I have not had any relief from the antibiotics at all.  i really think my ears are not draining properly?   Ill let you guys know how my balance testing goes.  Thanks Willyp27

Any more suggestions greatly appreciated!   thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
How are you? I'm sorry to hear about your constant sinus congestion, dizziness, allergies and the anxiety it is causing you.Have you completed your antibiotic treatment for the ear infection? It is common to feel the vertigo, congestion and  clogged ears in this kind of infection. It is good that you are gong to a specialist for balance testing to eliminate other causes.  The best way to prevent your allergies is to prevent the triggers,in your case, cats and dustmites. However, you said every time you go out, you feel stuffy.  Vasomotor rhinitis is a form of rhinitis that is not related to allergic reactions, but which is characterized by some of the same symptoms, such as a chronic sinus headache, runny nose and blood-vessel congestion of the nasal mucus membrane. Oversensitive blood vessels causes an overreaction to such stimuli as changes in weather, temperature, or barometric pressure, chemical irritants such as smoke, ozone, pollution, perfumes, and aerosol sprays, psychological stress and emotional shocks, certain types of medications, alcohol, and even spicy food.The pathology of vasomotor rhinitis is in fact not very well-understood and more research is needed. Many patients can be subject to vasomotor rhinitis and allergic rhinitis simultaneously. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasomotor_rhinitis)

I hope this helps. Take care and keep us posted.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi i can relate to you.My ENT wants me to ahve surgery.i am also on klonopin for anxiety have been on benzos for 18 years and am being tapered off its not easy.Last couple days the dizziness is so bad....but i went to er and they checked my blood and said no nfection and they exrayed my sinues waste of money dr says they are clear,but my cat can from the ent shows different,,,so u get like one sided head pain,eye pain,cheek pain,ear and neck pain plus the awful dizzines? My thoughts will be with you.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Allergy Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Find out if your city is a top "allergy capital."
Find out which foods you should watch out for.
If you’re one of the 35 million Americans who suffer from hay fever, read on for what plants are to blame, where to find them and how to get relief.
Allergist Dr. Lily Pien answers Medhelp users' most pressing allergy-related questions
When you start sniffling and sneezing, you know spring has sprung. Check out these four natural remedies to nix spring allergies.