throat

[sicktired]

Hello, I have been feeling ill for about 3-4 months, I seen by several doctors and have had every test under the son :(.

My question is with a sinus effections do you really feel aches and fatigue..I am so nervous! I just want to feel good again... Currently I am on a very strong antibiotic day 4, but this is not my first bout....(for a sinus infection)

My thoart burns, I have pain in the back of my head and always very tired.

Any recommendations???

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Yes,it is true that sinusitis if chronic(for more than 12 weeks) can lead to fatigue and general aches and malaise. Chronic sinusitis can cause difficulty breathing through the nose, pressure-pain in the nose, thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, aching in the upper jaw or teeth, bad breath, post-nasal drip, and persistent coughing.

First of all, the diagnosis of sinusitis or sinus infection has to be confirmed. This can be done through transillumination (passing light through the sinuses) or Sinus X-rays or CAT scan of sinuses.

Treatment of chronic sinusitis involves Oral antibiotics (usually 10 to 14 days). They are to be taken on prescription. You can use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant combined with an anti-inflammatory analgesic (pain reliever) like Ibuprofen. However, you should not use decongestants for more than 5-7 days at a time.Inhale steam and use corticosteroid nasal sprays. Severe cases may require oral steroids and sinus drainage.

If on x-rays and CT scan sinusitis is ruled out then other causes of chronic malaise and aches along with pain in head have to be probed like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.I feel that an ENT  and physician’s evaluation will be the best.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.