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Allergies, sinus infection and dizziness| From | To | Post |
| stacia123 9/5/2006 | . | 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. |
| athleet3 9/6/2006 C1 | . | 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. |
| stacia123 9/7/2006 C2 | . | 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. |
| athleet3 9/8/2006 C3 | . | 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. |
| stacia123 9/12/2006 C4 | . | 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. |
| mommybug 9/15/2006 C5 | . | 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. |
| Sharilee2 10/1/2006 C6 | . | 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. |
| lmnd 10/17/2006 C7 | . | 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! |
| jjkee 10/27/2006 C8 | 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- He had me get CT scan, stated I had deviated septum and that I needed surgery. I have had severe dizziness, blurred vision, almost like car sickness.. major headache and was then given Steroid (6) day dose. This helped and I too dreaded the 7th day, which I began to feel worse again. So, I call ENT and they told me to have the surgery. I have been too scared of surgery so ENT gave me Alavert D12, and Flonase to take this has made me more dizzy. I am at my wits end, thinking I have some serious illness? I would like to know your status now and if you have had any resolvement? jjkee |
| lmnd 10/28/2006 C9 | . | Took the 6 days of Prednisone. 5th day I was getting the pressure back in my face so stopped by the ENT office. Dr. called in another round of Prednisone, 10 mg. for 3 days, 1/2 a pill 3 days, 1/2 a pill every other day for 3 days. I'm now down to...skipping today, tomorrow I start 1/2 a pill every other day for the next 3 and I'll be finished. I feel MUCH better. My head was feeling lopsided inside, like pressure & now pressure is gone (yesterday I did have to take 2 Advil, but it went away with that, which usually it doesn't). I'm not dizzy, running into things, and not feeling car sick anymore. I quit the Astelin antihistamine spray and the Rhinocort spray, because I felt it was making me worse and dizzy-er. I've been taking Bcomplex and Niacin and Vit. C. I run an air cleaner in my bedroom at all times. Went to see a chiropractor. Normally I wouldn't trust one, but he's a friend and has helped my husband with disk problems. He's used some kind of electrical vibrating thing where my neck meets my skull and now my ear's not hurting. (Could be him, could be the Prednisone). He's cracked my neck (scary). He said if I started with the pressure/pain in the face he'll do acupuncture. His receptionist said she's never believed in that but she had the face pain and he did it on her and it actually worked! So...if I need it I'll try that. You just get desparate and will try anything! I'm going for the allergy testing next week. I just had blood work done by my GYN (no other Dr. suggested it) so it'll be 2 weeks before I know any results from that. I also have panic disorder...so being like this for so long has caused that to kick in even more and I'm taking more Xanax. I'm thinking something's just weird this year....and whatever it was, I got it! I've heard of a lot of people being like this this year. I don't have a deviated septum and Dr. said I didn't need surgery...but if it would help me I would try it! How do you get a deviated septum? And...why are you having problems now from it and didn't before? These are questions I'd ask. I'm also thinking my immune system was run down due to so much stress in my life recently which wouldn't fight this. I, too, was thinking I had a SERIOUS illness. Now I'm feeling better. I just hope it continues. Sorry this is so long. Write back and let me know how you are progressing. |
| jjkee 10/28/2006 C10 | lmnd | Funny you mention the panic disorder, after my second round of anti-biotics my GP said I was stressed and anxious and put me on a anti-depressent/anxiety med and I felt great for the first week or so, then had the WORST panic attacks ever, one after another and so on. (I had a reaction to the drug- I think it was celexa)? Then when I called my GP- and said what is going on here, they sent me to a pyschologist due to my sensitivy to meds. I spoke with them a few times and they felt that my sinuses needed to be taken care of and the meds for anxiety- well, I quit them and felt a bit better. Then I was off to ENT. My first thought was- what the heck is going on- I have this bad sinus infection , on meds for that for 20 days- it never goes away- was told to take celexa- (which I took at the same time as the anti-biotic)- and then started having attacks, tingling in my fingers and toes, and then I am being sent to a pyschologists? for anxiety or panic disorder.??? I really hope you get better and I did go to chiropractor ( I have not been in a few months though)...maybe I should go back for a visit. My family feels the septioplasy surgery is my only option and I do not. I will certainly keep you posted. And will pray for you...Thanks for the input, I do not feel so alone. OH, I did ask ENT about the deviated septum and that I probably have had all my life, and why now, why surgery? His only answer is that sometimes when people get to their 40's these symptoms start to get worse and he could not guarantee that the surgery would fix the problem. and I am not 40 yet, by the way.. I am just a bit skeptical of this surgery..want to check all other avenues first. sorry so long... :-) jjkee |
| lmnd 10/29/2006 C11 | jjkee | We have a joke around our house - that's why it's called a medical "practice" because they are just "practicing" on us! I think it's trial and error. If you feel you want to hold off and try other options I certainly don't blame you. The ENT said "non allergic rhinitis" and is sending me for allergy testing? Nothing has changed - same house, grass, dust, pets, use same products. I've had my teeth checked, my furnace/ac checked, cleaned the house a little better (after all I didn't feel good so sure didn't feel like cleaning) got the air cleaner, CT Scan, 3 rounds of antibiotics, Alavert, Alestin, Rhinocort...and I'm guessing Prednisone was the last resort. I just turned 50 yesterday (oooh that sounds so old). Couldn't even make plans to go out because wasn't sure how I would feel. So it definitely has affected my life! I'll continue with the chiropractor for a while and the vitamins....wait and see how my blood work comes back....and I don't go back to the ENT until 11-21 (unless I get worse again and can't take anymore). I will keep you posted. I have prayed and try to think positive, but the longer it goes the harder it gets. I've been on meds for panic disorder for about 18 years! As long as I take the meds I have been under control, until this! They always act like it's in your mind when they can't figure it out! I hope you get better! Maybe a second opinion from another ENT. |
| stacia123 11/3/2006 C12 | . | You guys have been experiencing a lot of what I have as well. My doc basically told me a few weeks ago that he thinks I'm just "worrying" too much and not sick at all. Because of that, I was about to go to a therapist for anxiety, but then my maxillary sinuses started hurting again, and I had the carsick feeling again, and I decided my doctor was wrong. I really don't think this is all in my head and it's just anxiety. On some anxiety forums I went to, I saw a LOT of people who said their anxiety started with sinus infections and allergies. Doctors apparently either don't understand it enough or don't think it's very serious, while those of us who are living with it KNOW how bad it is. The prednisone sounds like a good idea, I think I'm going to try and find an ENT and skip my GP for now. Also, I've seen some studies online that said a lot of sinus infections were fungal, which is why antibiotics don't help. I know my doctor says this is viral, but if it was viral it wouldn't have lasted 7 months! |
| lmnd 11/4/2006 C13 | . | The tingling in the fingers and toes could be the panic attacks. They affect people differently. I have felt like my arms were vibrating like using a jackhammer, like I'm going to pass out, and also hot spots on my cheeks like you'd draw on a clown. I'm now finished with my Prednisone and feel pressure in my head today...which may be just the weather change as it has gotten really cold here today, and my sinus don't handle weather changes, especially cold, well. I'm still hoping I won't go back to where I was...but very skeptical. My ear's also hurting again. I'm just waiting to see. It's no fun not being able to live your life! Has anyone gotten any relief yet? |
| BayleesMom 11/6/2006 C14 | . | Wow! I can't believe I found other people going through the same thing I am! It started with a mild viral illness in July, and went into equilibrium problems that just won't stop. The viral thing turned into a sinus infection that took 3 rounds of antibiotics to cure. Even when the sinuses were better, the equilibrium stayed messes up. The balance problems finally started to resolve, and then I caught another cold, and now I'm right back where I started. I did get a referral to ENT who ordered an MRI of head/inner auditory canal. The only thing they found was a cyst in one of the sinuses, which they feel is not causing the problems. Now I an scheduled for an ENG/VNG. Has anyone had that test? Is it as unpleasant as it sounds? Let please keep posting, so if any of us finds the answer we can pass it along to the rest....... |
| lmnd 11/6/2006 C15 | . | Well, got my blood work results -- seems my thyroid is elevated 11 points and the Dr. wants me to have that retested Dec. 1st. I'm wondering, does anyone know if Prednisone could have caused that to elevate? It never has been before. I tried to find info on it but didn't understand a lot - other than it can be fatal if it's too high, so I guess that's why he wants me to retest so soon. Other than that, since I've taken the Prednisone I'm feeling better with sinus and dizziness. If anyone knows about thyroid levels please post. |
| stacia123 11/7/2006 C16 | . | lmnd, I am not a doctor but I did find on the nih.gov site about prednisone that it's used to treat problems that affect the thyroid. Looks like it actually lowers thyroid numbers, but you should probably confirm with your doctor on that. Also to what someone said upthread, apparently sinus infections can take a LOT of antibiotics to address. Several years ago I had an infection that caused the left side of my face to swell up. I thought it was a tooth but the dentist said no, it was sinus infection, and that because the antibiotics have to basically "go through bone" (that's how he put it) it can take several rounds to clear up an infection. |
| lmnd 11/7/2006 C17 | . | Thanks for the input. I tried to find what the levels are supposed to be online but could not. The girl that called me from the Dr.'s office said it should be 5.500 and mine was 5.511. To me that's not 11 points, but 11/100ths. Anyway, I guess I will follow up with that 12-1, and maybe ask the ENT when I go back 11-21, since I've read it can be dangerous. Although I'm better...I still have the severe pain in the back of my head on the right after a night's sleep -- or it wakes me up at 4:00 a.m. Not every night, but 1 out of 4 at least. And I do still have some pain in my right face and ear. Again, I definitely will talk to the Dr. about what I've read in the forum and I appreciate everyone's input. I hope between us all we can get relief! |
| luxisatr4 11/7/2006 C18 | . | Seriously Im so glad you all have the same symptoms. My parents died within 9 months of each other and everyones been telling me I had depression. Well my symptoms seem to come and go. When I dont feel crappy im my normal self. Bit when they come back I get extremely tired my right ear pain comes and goes and my sinuses are horrible. I dont usually have a runyy nose but the pain is awful. I also git my tonsills out 4 weeks ago and everytime I would start feeling like this my throat would swell up and I would get white patches on my tonsills too. I thought it was just from my tonsills but it isnt because I still get the sinus pain and ear aches. I dont know what else to do. It is making me depressed. Anyone with some advice please help!! |
| lmnd 11/7/2006 C19 | . | My mom (& best friend) passed away in May. I have been severely depressed and lonely. So I know how you feel. My dad has been deceased for 18 years. I thought maybe I irritated my sinuses from crying so much -- so I've tried hard to stop crying just in case. It is very depressing to have that hurt, much less being sick on top of it. I started to wonder myself if it was depression making me sick. But..I don't want to be sick, and I'm sure that's not it. Whatever is going on is wearing us all out. I know it's sinus and ears. Did you go back to have your tonsils checked? May be infection in there. If you're reading the forum I think we're all trying to help each other and getting nowhere. My face hurts today. |
| luxisatr4 11/7/2006 C20 | . | My mom died last halloween in 2005 and my dad died in july of this year. Its just weird cuz it started in the spring and it hasnt gotten any better. Like today my face hurts and Im tierd. I just want a break. I got my tonsills looked at and they are fine so I honestly dont know what it is. Im almost possible it has something to do with my ears and sinuses. I though at first it was chronic fatigue syndrome but I dont know. When I dont feel like **** I feel great. |
| lmnd 11/8/2006 C21 | . | I've thought of chronic fatigue, too. I'll do good a couple of days, then bad...but I have been SO bad at times that when it's a little bad I can handle it. I mean there for a while it was never ending feeling bad, no strength, face pressure, head pressure, balance problems, ear hurting, and I thought life wasn't worth living if I had to live like that. Just couldn't do anything! I didn't sleep well due to the right side back of my head hurting again last night. It gets better when I get up. I just don't know what it can be. I've read everything...looked up everything...so even though I doubt it will do any good, when I go back to the ENT the end of the month I will again tell him all this and see what he says. All we can do is keep trying to get to the bottom of this! |
| sonphlower 11/14/2006 C22 | . | I guess, as they say, misery loves company. I have been the same symptoms as the rest of the posters here for five weeks now; doctors visits, MRI, and now an appointment with a neurologist, who can't see me for another month. Yes, there has been a lot of stress in my life: death of a loved one, husband with cancer and surgeries, son in Iraq. The stress exacerbates the problem. I feel worse on rainy days when the pressure system is high. I did find a couple of interesting articles that the rest of you may want to consider: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001420.htm http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001054.htm http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000702.htm |
| lmnd 11/15/2006 C23 | sonphlower | I'm wondering if all of us are so stressed and depressed our immune systems are not fighting whatever we have! Weather does play a role. It's raining today and my face has hurt all day to the point of making me sick. Go the ENT next week, will discuss all of this and post back. |
| sonphlower 11/16/2006 C24 | Imnd | I agree. It's raining like crazy here and I feel like my head is about to explode and I can barely walk straight. Please post and let us know what the ENT says. Sonphlower |
| shoegal40 11/16/2006 C25 | . | I can sympathize with you all. I myself just recently started experiencing dizziness associated with allergies. I turned 40 this year, and I have suffered from seasonal allergies for about ten years now, but it has never been accompanied with dizziness. I reside in NY and we have been having lots of rain lately, and for the past two weeks I have been experiencing dizziness. I truly believe that my dizziness is associated with the severe congestion, itchy throat and clogged ears I have had for the past two weeks. The first day I woke up with the dizziness it was really bad, I had to stay in bed all day because my world was spinning around me so fast I could not stand up and I felt nauseous. I have seen my GP about this problem and he has prescribed a nasal antihistamine spray called, Allecort. I used it one day and stopped, because it made me feel worse. The dizziness has now turned to lightheadedness for me. I am currently taking Benadryl-D Allergy & Sinus when I go to sleep and during the day I take Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain - Daytime tablets. These drugs seem to be helping, because I have not felt dizzy. Hopefully, the rain will end soon and the cold weather will come. I tend to feel better during the cold weather months. The cold weather tends to kill the allergens in our air. Good luck to all in hopes that this problem ends for us all. |
| lmnd 11/16/2006 C26 | . | I will post after my ENT visit. Isn't it strange that all of us have felt the meds they prescribe have made us worse! I was sicker than a dog yesterday with my face pressure to the point I thought I would throw up, and balance problems. Today...I feel like a normal person. I can't understand how it changes from one day to the next with no apparent reason. (But for 3 months I was sick every single day until the Prednisone saved me.) It's poured the rain here today and it didn't bother me. I have no clue! A couple of times I've been so dizzy I could not get up, and it ended up (the Dr. said) a virus, which lasted like 48 hrs. Who knows..you may have that along with the sinus! I just turned 50! I'm in WV. Everybody post if they get relief!!!! |
| adley 11/16/2006 C27 | . | I am 33 and I also have been having problems with dizziness. My symptoms started late August with heart palpitations and quickly morphed into wheezing+congestion+dizziness on rainy days but only when I would go outside. I accidentally discovered that antihistamines made me feel better, so I started taking the maximum day in the morning which calmed things down for the rest of the day. I felt some of the symptoms a few times at home, especially around my plants so I got rid of all of them and purchased a good quality air cleaner. For the past 3-4 weeks, it's been getting worse. The antihistamines barely work anymore. After walking 5 minutes outside on a rainy day, I feel completely dizzy, my vision becomes blurred, I get hot flashes and the roof of my mouth gets completely dry. Lately, I started feeling this way in certain indoor spaces as well. I saw an ENT doctor and had my eyes checked, no problems with my sinuses or my ears or my eyes... Last week I saw an allergist who thinks it might be something called "vasomotor rhinitis" that apparently causes inflammation. He prescribed a nasal corticosteroid and I am supposed to be off the antihistamines for a while so that they can do the allergy tests. The spray has yet to help, and while I am off the antihistamines, my solution has been to limit the amount of time I spend outside to under 5 minutes. This has really been cramping my style! |
| adley 11/16/2006 C28 | . | I forgot to ask. I was wondering whether anyone had a complete check of their blood for any virus or bacteria. Was that also negative? |
| lmnd 11/16/2006 C29 | . | I did have my blood checked - just routine, but had to fast after midnight for the thyroid check - which they said was elevated and I've never had before, which does cause heart palpitations. However, I was taking a large amount of Niacin and B Comples to give me energy because I was feeling so bad and exhausted, so that could have caused it - I hope. But then I was on Prednisone so I don't know. Supposed to have it re-checked 12-1. The ENT didn't mention anything about bacteria or fungus. Of course the 3 rounds of antibiotics I had from my GP before I was sent to him should have taken care if it was something like that. I, too, have purchased an air cleaner for my bedroom. I got this in late July. I am doing saline irrigation now, and waiting for the allergy testing the end of the month. Read the labels on those nasal sprays - some cause dizziness, which when I quit that stuff (because it wasn't helping) I was still dizzy, but less dizzy than when taking it. I do have panic disorder and take Xanax for that...and if you're as stressed as the rest of us with whatever we have, you may be having anxiety, too. This forum has really helped knowing there are others out there feeling like I do. Hopefully we can help each other. |
| dlh65 11/19/2006 C30 | . | You cannot imagine how relieved I was to find this site. I, too, have the same symptoms everyone else has listed. My vertigo started with mild cold symptoms. I have had it for 3 weeks now and cannot work, drive or enjoy life. I do not have health insurance and was put through costly MRI's, CT Scans and now I've been scheduled to see a neurologist who expects $140 up front or he won't see me. I'm hoping to show this to my family doctor and definitely won't waste my time with an ENT which is what my next move was going to be. Short of moving to a drier climate, what works best for everyone else? I have noticed when the weather changes, my symptoms get worse. How does everyone manage to work, drive and have a normal life? |
| lmnd 11/19/2006 C31 | . | I have not been able to have a normal life! I am a self-employed court reporter so I turned down many jobs, although I forced myself when I could, because of course we all need our paychecks!!! When you're dizzy and balance is off you can't drive, and you just don't feel like you can sit up. No way you can concentrate or work...all you can do is lay around. I can't make plans because I never know how I'll feel. Like again today I have the facial pressure and getting ready to take some Advil (which doesn't work 100%) and I usually put a very hot water bottle on my face, before I get sick at my stomach again with it. My summer was ruined! And the longer this goes on the more paranoid I get that this is never ending. I just can't be like this for another summer. I have a couple of acres on a hill to mow and weed eat and my husband has SEVERE back and knee problems and is unable to weedeat...and can't do the mowing by himself...so I have to do that! That's why I'm going ahead with the allergy testing at the end of the month, because if I've suddenly become allergic to grass, I will have to take the shots and hope I can build my immunity back up in time to do yard work! I feel for you with no insurance! But at least you've ruled out some bad things! I certainly am going to tell the ENT dr. Tues. when I go and post what he says. I've been 4 months at this now and that's too long for anything! Maybe we can all help each other!! |
| adley 11/20/2006 C32 | . | I was also surprised to find others with similar symptoms. Online is one thing, but I was in near shock when last week I actually met someone who went through the same symptoms (dizziness, hot flashes, sweating, chest constriction, fast heart beat)! Though hers started last march and lasted a month and a half. She went to a whole bunch of doctors, no one could tell what was wrong, and when the symptoms went away, she stopped pursuing it. Which is why I am now really really wondering whether this could be a virus/bacteria/fungus... I had a fairly bad cold a few weeks before my symptoms began (I also got bitten by a few mosquitos, but I don't want to get that paranoid); which might have weakened my immune system enough to let other things in. In fact I know my immune system is in a terrible shape because I suddenly woke up with a tooth ache last week, went to the dentist who found 2 of my teeth had become infected! Hanging in there... |
| lmnd 11/21/2006 C33 | . | I went back for my follow up to the ENT and asked all the questions we've been talking about -- 1. sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck which can cause facial pressure/pain - Dr. said not my problem, wouldn't be on one side of my head/neck, would be more like stress. 2. bacteria serratia - Dr. said you very seldom would see that, and people would be hospitalized they'd be so bad before it was found. 3. fungal or yeast - he said no. 4. Thyroid - didn't seem concerned that it would cause any of my problems, although he said my numbers being high would mean my thyroid is slow so I should definitely follow up with that. 5. The vitamins, Niacin, B-complex, none of that would have changed my thyroid levels. 6. Humidity - I asked what normal levels should be in my home - Dr. said whatever feels comfortable for me, there is no set number. 7. How often to use the saline irrigation - Dr. said once or twice a day. So he's still saying non allergic rhinitis - and said they really don't know much about it! Well!!!! Told me not to get paranoid about it! Easy for him to say. I told him when I was at my lowest I could not function or work. Told him the Prednisone saved me. He said he would only do that once or twice a year and only if absolutely necessary, that he doesn't like to use it. So he's still recommending the allergy testing, which I will be going next week. I told him Rhinocort (steroid nasal spray) and Asteline (antihistamine spray) made me feel worse. He said which one. I didn't know. I was taking them both at the same time like he said, so when I was worse I quit both. We did talk about allergies and he said mold was a big problem for this! He also said after the testing he would like me to go on Singulair (prescription) and Nasalcrom (otc). So...that's where we are! I will do just that. I hope this gives you-all information that might help. |
| stacia123 11/21/2006 C34 | . | Thanks for the info about your visit to the ENT. I keep putting off going to an ENT because I have days where I feel just fine. Actually, when this all started, I thought it was depression/anxiety because I had dealt with my parents dying (so I was shocked to see others on this forum say the same thing! I can completely relate to what you all said, it's very tough to go through.) I won't recount what I already wrote in this thread, but I felt GREAT after 14 days of antibiotics in September. I had about 4 good weeks when I started having the dizziness again. The 1st two days were bad but the 3rd day was terrible. It got better after about 12 days, so I talked myself out of going to the ENT. Of course, last Thursday I felt like I had a cold again, and again, 3 days into it, I felt terrible. Today I feel better but the sinus pressure is just throbbing. Still, if this only lasts 12 or so days like last time, I worry that the doctors will say it's no big deal. My GP already said he thinks I've made this all up because I'm "worrying too much", but he's wrong. This is real, but it is so tough to find a doctor to take you seriously, they think it's "just a sinus infection". |
| lmnd 11/21/2006 C35 | . | I've thought maybe it was depression, but it's like you say, one day I'll feel normal, just fine, and the next I'm having the facial pressure/pain, getting sick at my stomach because of it, head feeling lopsided and can't walk straight. I use the hot water bottle on my face to relieve pain, too, and the ENT said that was fine. My husband's always fussing - thinking that's making me worse. But it does help. I go for the allergy testing next Monday. I'll post again. I hope we all continue to feel better. |
| stacia123 11/21/2006 C36 | . | Hope you get some good news at the allergist. I just found an old comment from 2004 that I thought was interesting: it's from a nurse who says anxiety and sinus problems can be related. Just thought it was interesting. http://209.51.172.19/forums/RespiratoryDisorders/messages/1593.html |
| lmnd 11/22/2006 C37 | . | I read what you suggested about anxiety and sinus, but I swear, I don't think my anxiety is causing this! Yesterday I felt fine. Today, my right side of my face is hurting, I've taken Advil and I have the hot water bottle on my face. I've used saline. You just never know from one day to the next. And it is depressing. I also asked the Dr. if all the crying I did over my mom could have caused irritation in my sinus, and he looked at me with a strange look like it was possible, but didn't respond. I have really been trying not to cry...just in case it was. Every time my mind goes there I try really fast to think about something else. Hopefully whatever it is, whether sinus, allergies, anxiety, depression.....it will go away. It's just good to know that we're not alone, huh? I go for allergy testing Monday and will post my results. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! |
| stacia123 11/22/2006 C38 | lmnd | I wasn't trying to imply that it was anxiety. Just that the nurse at that link apparently said some symptoms of sinus problems could seem like anxiety, so maybe that's why it's so easy for doctors to dismiss it as anxiety? I dunno, was just putting that out there. My next step is to try some herbal stuff (garlic pills helped me the last time) and see what happens. If anything changes I'll post. Hope everyone is feeling better. |
| lmnd 11/23/2006 C39 | . | Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! All we can do is try what remedies we think may help and hope for the best. One day at a time. I know you weren't implying it was anxiety -- and I did read the stuff -- and anxiety does cause a lot of weird feelings, but I've had panic disorder for 18 years and never has it affected my sinus. Makes me break out in the sweats, feel like passing out, tingly, and all the other stuff. I think doctors pass it off to that when they don't have a clue. I will post Mon. when I find out what I'm allergic to. And then I'm supposed to start the Singulair and Nasalcrom. I'm thinking I may go back to the chiropractor, too. And since the Dr. said the B-complex and Niacin wouldn't affect my thyroid levels, may go back on those. Have to recheck my thyroid the 1st of Dec. Makes you feel like an old person complaining all the time. You can't help but have it on your mind when you feel bad most of the time - as the Dr. said don't obsess or get paranoid with it. DUH!!!!! Let me know what the garlic does. |
| lmnd 11/27/2006 C40 | . | Got the allergy testing. Severe to dust, dust mites, ragweed, and timothy grass, moderate to mold, mild to trees and grass, negative to my cat! Said I do not have to have allergy shots yet. Try Singulair and Nasalcrom for at least a month and then decide. So today I'm going to start that...and again take it one day at a time! Sorry I'm no more help! Has anyone gotten any relief or found anything new? |
| adley 11/28/2006 C41 | . | Thanks for the info. I myself got tested for inhalant allergies today, and it appears that I have none. This is quite odd because a year and a half ago, I used to be allergic to mixed trees at least. So my doctor is now quite certain that this is vasomotor rhinitis (non-allergic rhinitis). But he also thinks something triggered it in the first place and his theory is that it was a sinus infection. I had had a cold a few weeks before all my dizziness symptoms started so it is quite possible that I had an infection even though I didn't have any sinus symptoms. He ordered a CT scan. Now granted this may not last very long but I actually started feeling a lot better yesterday afternoon; in fact I went out today and despite the rainy weather, I did not feel dizzy. Yesterday morning I finished a 10-day dose of clindamycin for a tooth infection and that seems to have done the trick. I had used Zithromax for 5 days a month ago for a sore throat but that didn't affect the dizziness. The allergist's interpretation for this is that either Zithromax was not the right type of antibiotic or the 5-day treatment was not enough. Depending on the result of the CT scan, I might have to continue taking antibiotics. This was actually a very good doctor, so I do trust him. And he didn't think I was insane, he had an "I've seen it all" attitude. Beyond the infection, he explained that the treatment for vasomotor rhinitis varies greatly. For instance rhinocort spray made me feel a lot worse even though it works on other people. I already know high doses of antihistamines work on me so he told me to continue taking those and prescribed a salt water mist for my nose. At this point, it is a matter of finding what works and in the meantime clearing out any infection that might still be in my body. I hope this helps. |
| lmnd 11/28/2006 C42 | . | See, the ENT Dr. told me too many antibiotics are being prescribed and make it worse! And....my GP told me sinus infections are becoming resistent to Zithromax (I had taken 2 rounds before he gave me Keflex and when no better did the CT and referred me to the ENT). My ENT diagnosis is non allergic rhinitis, too. Rhinocort made me worse. I think. At least no better. Anyway, you're right, it's finding what works. I question those allergy tests - becauase I think most people are allergic to things. And I didn't have big whelps or itch or anything, although there was little bumps like where she stuck the needles in, and to me that's about as big as they were. I'm a skeptic I guess. I did not take my Singulair today because it says if you're taking for allergy problems to take in the morning, and since I took it after 3:00 yesterday because that's when the allergy testing nurse told me to take it (after the test so it would help me) I didn't want to take it early and overlap. So I'm skipping today and will start in the morning. Again, the weird thing is...I feel absolutely 100% normal today. And it is raining on and off. If I had taken it I would think it helped. (Even though they said it takes about a month.) And I did not even start the NasalCrom. I know I'm getting better as time goes by....because August, September, October, I could not function at all. But it is slow. I don't know if this was a bad year...or like you, my sinus got messed up and it turned into that, my immune system was stressed and couldn't fight it off. Anyway....I hope we continue to get better!!!! Thanks for writing back with the info. |
| adley 11/28/2006 C43 | . | Hmm, my sudden recovery didn't last that long... I was so excited about feeling better that I went to the supermarket, something I hadn't been able to do much lately. The cheese section got me! I don't get it, I am not supposed to have allergies!?! I started to feel really dizzy and numb all over, I don't know how I made it back home. I am surprised about your allergy tests, I had small raised dots on at least 6 of the points and they itched like crazy but the nurse said I didn't have any allergies. I thought perhaps I had to have a real big dot for them to consider it to be an allergy. Back to square one? Pffft. |
| lmnd 11/29/2006 C44 | . | It sounds like you might be having a panic attack!!! You know, when you are stressed, not sure if you can get through the store, haven't been for a while...even though you're not thinking about the stress, even if at the time you're feeling ok, the feelings you had, that sounds just like it! I'm not saying you don't have your sinus or other problems, but those are symptoms of a panic attack. Talk to your Dr. and see if he'll give you something for that. I take Xanax. Remember, I'm not a doctor, but I've had panic disorder for over 18 years! |
| lmnd 11/29/2006 C45 | . | I posted but it didn't show up so I hope I'm not repeating myself, trying again. That doesn't make sense about your bumps raising and itching and you not allergic, and I never itched, and me allergic. Who knows. What you just described sounds like a panic attack!!!! Not allergies in the cheese department! Please talk to your dr. and see if he will prescribe something for panic disorder (I take Xanax) and see if that helps. They happen when you least expect, stressed or not, and since you've been down so long and not been able to go, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if that's not what it was. |
| adley 11/29/2006 C46 | lmnd | Thanks for the post. I am indeed entertaining the idea that it was a panic attack, how long are they supposed to last? I took an antihistamine (just in case) and lied down for a while; after an hour things were getting back to normal, I was able to go on the internet, walk around, etc. But suddenly it got worse and I got a splitting headache in addition, so I ended up in e.r. :( It took 6 hours for the heart rate to drop to below 100 and the blood pressure to normal levels. Apparently I had a low grade fever but no infections. My heart was checked 3 months ago, so I guess this might indeed have been a panic attack. They need to find a new name for this because it feels too real to believe it is all psychological. As for the allergies, after reading your comments, I decided to get the blood tests done. I just want to be as sure as it is possible. And I did wonder whether the tachycardia was a delayed allergic reaction to the skin test but it was a good 7 hours after the test when things started. I'd better not miss the after christmas sales because of all this! :P P.S. Do you have to take xanax all the time or only when you feel a panic attack coming? |
| lmnd 11/29/2006 C47 | . | A panic attack can last for minutes or hours. You have to kind of talk to yourself, relax yourself, make yourself not be paranoid. You're not going to die! I take Xanax every day of my life! Could not drive anywhere by myself, would have to pull off the road and wait, then try again, having to leave my buggy at the store and get out of there. My heart would race, left arm went numb, hands tingle, short of breath. Face would heat up like you painted circles on my cheeks. I indeed thought I was having a heart attack, thought I would pass out. I was put on 3 a day, then weaned myself to 2, then 1, but since my mom passed away in May...and since all this allergy/sinus bit, I'm back to 2 a day. If I'm going to shop or out to eat, I'll take a half of one before. You just have to not let it get to you. I try to stay away from crowded places, and places that are hot/no air flowing. If you want to shop...go. If you start feeling weird, just talk to yourself, telling yourself you'll be fine, get some air, sit down, get your mind on something else. But by all means make sure you're checked by your Dr. so that you're sure it's not something else. I think the cold weather will kill most of the allergies (except all my dust inside)...and hopefully next year won't be so bad. I am definitely doing better now. I hope it continues. I think you are on the mend...but probably not trusting, which seems to be when the panic attacks start. Keep in touch. |
| stacia123 11/29/2006 C48 | . | That's interesting about the allergies. I don't know much about allergies although I'm eventually wanting to see an ENT or allergist about the sinus problems I'm having. Last Wednesday the pain on the left side of my face, in the maxillary sinus and around my eye, was horrific. Just awful, I was crying all day and of course no doctor's office was open. Friday I called the on-call emergency number for my doctor and the on-call doc suggested Zithromax. I finished my 5 days of Zithromax yesterday and it's helped, the pain is gone and I have some energy back, but this doesn't feel like a permanent fix. There's too many other symptoms that it didn't address at all. I went to my GP on Monday and he's just no help. He suggested nasal rinses which I already do, and even gave me a prescription for saline solution! What doctor thinks saline solution needs a script?! He also suggested Mucinex (guaifenesin) which I took today and which helped drainage but only for a couple of hours. My GP insisted it wasn't time for an ENT. Very frustrating. He seemed to think this wasn't the same problem I've been having since May, like he thought I just had several small sinus infections and not one eight-month-long illness. |
| lmnd 11/30/2006 C49 | . | Once again, these doctors just aren't getting it, are they? I don't know what to tell you! You can buy NasalCrom over the counter - that's what I'm using, along with Singulair which is prescription. But...I got stopped up today at work and used one spray of the NasalCrom and actually got over it and it didn't throw me into the whole face pain thing. Maybe you could try it. I think we've all tried everything else. What's $15 more dollars at this point. |
| lmnd 11/30/2006 C50 | . | Well, here I thought I was doing better...but just had a horrible dizzy spell and face started hurting. Don't know whether it was just going to happen anyway, or if it's a reaction to Singulair since I've started them and one side effect is dizziness. Always something! Depressing. | [Thread closed to new comments] |
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