Sinus symptoms and body aches, fatigue?

[de49152]

Hi,

This is my first post.  I am an otherwise healthy 32 year old male, but frustrated by this recent baffling problem.

For the last 2-3 weeks, I've had mild sinus congestion & pressure, along with strange "flu-like" body aches, weakness & fatigue.  I have no fever or night sweats, and nasal mucous is clear.

I do get a lot of allergies, but never these "flu-like" symptoms.  I went to the doc and have been taking Septra for a possible sinus infection, but no improvement.

I don't know what's linking the sinus condition with the other symptoms... virus (like chronic fatigue), allergies, infection, autoimmune disorder (hope not)?

Any advice or comments welcome.
-Dan

[PlateletGal]

My Immunologist told me once that allergies alone could be disabling. It sounds like you could have food allergies. One thing you could do is try going without sugar, dairy products, wheat/whey/oat/barley/rye and corn products for 2 weeks. Then slowly reintroduce these products and wait a couple of days before trying the next one.... see if you have an allergic reaction.

[de49152]

Thanks for your comment, its good to know.

[PlateletGal]

You are very welcome. I believe your symptoms could be due to an intolerance or allergy to wheat products; maybe other foods as well and that is why my physician put me on the diet I suggested earlier. Here's a helpful link:

http://allergies.about.com/cs/gluten/f/blniaidceliac2.htm

[LMND]

This is my first posting.  I have been "sick" for 3 months now with sinus pressure and pain, fatigue, sometimes dizzy.  After 3 rounds of antibiotics no better, and over the counter allergy meds., Dr. sent me for a CT of sinus and it was clear.  Sent me to an ENT - gave me nasal steroid and antihistamines.  No help.  Been doing saline irrigation, vitamins.  Am now on Prednisone (steroid pills) for 6 days.  After 1 and 1/2 days feel better and pressure is leaving but scared because I know after this 6 days I'll be back to where I was and I'm extremely run down and need to rebuild to fight whatever this is.  Scheduled for allergy testing the end of the month.  Have always had sinus, but NEVER like this and for SO long.  Exhausted.  If anyone gets relief please post, as will I.

[blocked]

I have experienced the same daily " aches" and muscle pains especially in the morning , along with congestion , headache, or severe sinus migraines. I was also told to eliminate wheat from my diet, while drinking a detox shake of supplements and things that detox the body from allergens. Every morning i'd wake up like a truck hit me, stiff, sore, but not my bones. Like it was my muscles. I thought " chronic fatigue syndrome? Fybromyalgia? All this was with sever fatigue to the point where it was hard to function. I feel a bit better eliminating wheat, and detoxing on this protein powder. I'm also looking into investigating my thyroid. Hope this helps. Your'e not alone. It's weird and vague and crippling as you cant get much done.
Thanks for posting. I hope its a simple allergy that can be corrected.
"blocked"

[argyle]

Hi,
I have a lot of the same symptoms as de4912.  Has anybody recovered since they posted.  I'm so frustrated and am looking for some releif.
Thanks.

[LMND]

I posted in one of the other forums - diagnosis non allergic rhinitis that Dr.'s don't know much about.  Want's allergy testing and then go on Singulair and Nasalcrom.  Check the forum for details.

[Billum]

Hi I am a 41 year old male who has had on and off nasal congestion, Chronic cough and flu like body aches. I have not said anything to my doctor yet but he has told me my cough is allergy related. The body aches are new. Has anyone had a definitve diagnosis yet? I have been living on Motrin for the aches. Also this time around I have neck and shoulder pain.

[G711]

HI, I AM A 42 YEAR OLD FEMALE.  FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS I HAVE HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS, OF AND ON, THIS LAST EPISODE HAPPENED JUST RECENTLY AFTHER ABOUT 10 MONTHS.  I WILL TAKE YOUR ADVICE AND BEGAN WATCHING WHAT I EAT. ESPCIALLY CORN. BECAUSE I DID HAVE CORN, WHICH I DO NOT EAT VERY OFTHEN.THE DAY I GOT THE SYMPTOMS AGAIN.  FIRST THE SERVERE FATIGUE HIT ME AND THEN ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER, MY WHOLE BODY BEGAN TO ACHE AS IF I HAVE THE FLU AND THEN WHEN THE ACHS WENT AWAY, ALL OF MY MUSCLES FELT EXTREMLY SORE AND THEN I GOT BAD SINUS PAINS. BEFORE READINGS THESE PEOPLES COMMENTS AND RESPONSE, I HAD NO IDEAS THESE SYPMTOMS COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO MY ALLERGY AND SINUSES.   I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO MY DOCTORS FOR YEARS ABOUT MY SYMPTOMS.  I WAS ALWAYS ASKING MY DOCTOR IF BODY ACHES, SORENES AND FATIGUE AND SINUSES PROBLEMS HAVE ANY RELATIONS AND I WAS ALWAYS TOLD NO.  SHE ONCE SUGGESTED THAT I SART TAKING A ANTI DEPRESENT PILL.  AFTHER I HAVE READ YOURS AND OTHERS RESPONE TO THIS PROBLEM, YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW YOU AND OTHERS MADE ME FEEL LIKE I WAS NOT LOSING MY MIND. THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!                    

[Tracii]

Mold/yeast can cause joint and muscle aches, headaches, asthma attacks, fatigue, and worse, even for those not "allergic" to it.  If there's so much as a fingernail-sized patch of mold in my house, I become too exhausted, cranky, depressed, and my joints and sinuses swell and ache.  I read somewhere that mycoplasma (mold) has even been found in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis!  
Mold grows anywhere humidity/water is present both indoors and out and yeast can be found in many foods, such as breads and beer.  Many foods are processed using molds, like certain cheeses.  Mold stimulates yeast overgrowth in the body, worsening allergies.  Yeast overgrowth has been implicated as a contributing factor in symptoms of MS, depression, arthritis, lupus, allergies, chronic fatigue, and nearly any disorder you can dream of.  You might do some additional research, as most doctors will look at you like you're crazy if you bring up yeast.

[Teresa60118]

Out of control allergies! I have been miserable off and on for years. I am an optamistic person and when I get laid out like this, it blows me away. You all sound the same as I feel. I have been researching thinking that because of my horrible breathing that I have oxygen deprivation or carbon dioxide poisoning. My Dr. who I think is great. Is convinced that my allergies are out of control. I take shots, Astelin, Zyrtec D, Clariten, Benedryl, Flonase... nothing is working... I am in allergy fog and no doubt feel sick allot as I catch everything my kids bring into the house. Last night in desperation I went to the drug store and purchased another OTC med. Chlortramine, or something like that... a 4 hour jobby. My head started cracklin open and I started breathing better! ISo, I am feeling more rested than usual this morning... am also going to try the Zicam Seasonal allergy spray.

I don't discount CFS, but I don't want to accept that diagnosis either. Just because it is a catch all when we don't know what else to call it. I think allergies can make you miserable. It's August in the midwest and I have been "sick" for a month. Like a Mack truck has hit me every morning. All the rain has the mold up and the rag weed is seeding...

Any way, it is good to see I am not alone... I wish everyone well and the search to alleve the symptoms.

Take Care

[Jeanne A]

Hi Fellow Allergy Sufferers,

      My symptoms (flu-like aching of feet and legs, extreme fatique, breathlessness, malaise, with very mild sinus pressure and sore glands) began about a month ago. Since I've had a couple tick bites (dog ticks) and rashes this summer, my internist put me on an antibiotic to cover Lyme Disease. After 15 days of taking the antibiotic (which also cures sinus infections), there is no improvement.

       I've had similar symptoms in the past, and am still trying to discover the cause. I once had a very severe reaction to drinking lots of corn chowder during a cold weekend in Maine. In addition to severe gastro-intestinal symptoms, I felt as though I was coming down with a bad case of the flu.  A day or so later the symptoms vanished! I have a milk allergy (but can usually tolerate dairy) and suspect that I also have a corn allergy, given the incident just cited. Yet, I often eat popcorn without a problem.  Tonight, I realized that my  current symptoms were coincidental with taking Caltrate chewables which contain corn syrup. There was also some moldy food in my fridge ( I'm very mold sensitive), but I cleaned out the fridge thoroughly with Clorox.

       In my case, food sensitivities are so variable that it is difficult to know whether I need to cut out certain foods from my diet.

        Teresa's description (just above) of feeling as though she's been hit by a Mack truck certainly applies to my morning awakenings. I'm also skeptical about CFS, having once been so diagnosed. I was given a variety of pills to increase quality of sleep. These only made me groggy and did not relieve the aching which is my main symptom.

         I appreciate all of your sharings. It helps a great deal to feel joined in this quest for solutions.

[Sarah Lee2]

This is day 21 of feeling absoultely terrible.  Muscle aches (especially in a.m), disabling fatigue, itchy eyes, "mushy" ears.  The fatigue is so bad that even folding a sheet is taking effort.  I live in East Texas and the ragweed is a possible culprit.  However, to complicate matters I am a Celiac (gluten intollerant).  
Does anyone have any treatment answers to overcome these symptoms or do I just go to bed until November??
Thanks,
Sarah

[body listener]

I know you are all on the right track.  You should read and study many more sites and books.  I think that the best immediate relief for all your symptoms is the Master Cleanse.  You can purchase the booklet from most all health food stores and you will be absolutely amazed at he results.   You can find the recipe on line as well, but I highly recommend the book in order to understand the benefits.  It only cost a little under 7 dollars.

Also research the netti pots. They work really well.  I also use silver as an antibiotic in most cases and homeopathic remedies for mold, yeast and pollen.

Good luck and God bless!!

[rhufus]

Boy do these symptoms sound familiar.I have been suffering for 9 yrs with all the above (started when I hit 30) ,they come and go,and mornings are the worst. It took trips to neurologists,muscle biopsies,MRIs,blood test after blood test...the list goes on and on. Finally after my OWN research I went to see an allergist. Well it seems as though a lot of what you folks and I suffer from are severe allergies. My GP couldnt believe it. Kinda goes to show doctors dont know everything they think they do. Me Im lucky they never go away completely but the do lessen. LOTs of prescriptions!! Hang in there guys I know its not easy feeling this way but you do get used to it and adjust to knowing just when and how much you can do things. Good luck everyone and hang in here.

[taxigirl]

there are many things one can do to lessen allergic reaction within their own home. the 8 hours or so you spend in bed sleeping are especially important. keep room clean, eliminate clutter, enclose mattress and pillows in protective covers (not padded mattress covers, this is simply another place for dust mites to live) preferable the water resistant kind. I found mine at a store that sells foam futons, mattresses, pillows etc. can find them online as well. I learned about them through nurse I have been seeing for my symptoms at the asthma clinic here. check windowsills for mold. important, read up on mold, can be source of great distress.

[taxigirl]

years ago i had cough spasms, didnt know why. eventually found there was mold growing on wall behind my bed. must have been poorly insulated house. i cleaned that off, think i used bleach in the water. my cough went away.
however, i am currently back having trouble. planning to move, this apartment is 40 years old, original carpet. no point replacing as owners dont maintain well, water issues, leaks in walls i am sure. there is mold on bottom floor in the drywall where there was a leak. I am moving soon. hope this helps.

[PlateletGal]

Hi Guys,

Some of you may want to join us in this discussion in the Neurology forum on CFIDS and lyme disease:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/41035

One thing about CFIDS is that most of us are unable to tolerate gluten and alcohol. I've had the Celiac disease panel and my labs were normal... however, my physician told me that you can have an intolerance to wheat, but not actually have Celiac disease. That is what I had.

[odd_symptoms]

A lot of the symptoms you all described have suddenly hit me like a brick this morning.  I am doing some research because I am too weak to walk to the clinic, and I have found doctors to be often unhelpful, unless I arrive with my own ideas about what might be wrong.  I have clogged sinuses, sever headache, body aches (esp. my lower back), severe dizziness (esp when I try to sit up/stand up), and nausea (also wierd abdominal pain, which started 2 days ago -I thought it was something I ate).  This combination of symptoms is entirely new to me.  I have been on SSNRIs for a little over a year, and for the last two weeks, have had cloudy, smelly urine (sorry for that info), but no pain, or blood.  I have never had an allergy problem in the past.  Any help would be great!

[dclogan]

you should investigate whether some or all of you are suffering from depression and/or anxiety disorder.  See a good psychologist or clinical social worker and talk through your current issues and childhood, etc.  A lot of the symptoms you are describing are very common among people suffering from depression and/or anxiety.  We try to find "external" cures by blaming it on our bodies, but so often the problem is really psychological.  That doesn't mean it's not real -- it just means you have to attack it a different way to cure it.  Good luck to you!

[sninny]

Wow.  Like many of you, I've been frustrated and confused by a combination of symptoms including fatigue, muscle and joint pain, severe headaches and neck pain, and bloating.  I've had bouts of depression and anxiety but after extensively pursuing this angle I've concluded that they are the result of having so much chronic pain and discomfort and not the cause....  I've followed rigid food elimination diets in the past but that was before my pain and fatigue kicked in a few years ago.  I'm trying the Peter D'Adamo Blood Type Diet as well as higher doses of Allegra, believing that mold allergies may well be at the root of my health problems.  Since increasing Allegra, the intensity of my headaches has been reduced as well as the foggy feeling.  Since introducing the blood type diet I'm experiencing less stiffness and body pain and have been able to cut back on Ibuprofen.  This diet  is based on the idea that our blood heritage indicates which foods are beneficial (support the body's natural healing mechanisms) and those which are destructive to a particular blood type.  All further complicated by the possibility that premenopause is causing fog and other hormonal imbalances.  I've also just introduced all the microbial balancing solutions sold by Perelandra.  I hope to resolve all this but am conflicted as to whether there's more "out there" to support me.  I appreciate knowing others are having similar problems and hope to see more postings of what's working.

[Soonerman]

Have you tried eliminating gluten for a month or so in your elimination diets?  Alot of these symptoms fit Celiacs....fatigue, muscle and joint pain, bloating, headaches, even depression, irritability.  I would google Celiacs and probably Candida to see if either of these could be the cause.

[sninny]

Thanks you, I'll take a look at both of these.  I had blood work done a couple of years ago and I thought my physician said Celiac disease was included in this panel though I could be mistaken.  He also checked for lyme disease (though I realize the test isn't definitive).  It's worth a look in any event.  Thanks again.  

[Soonerman]

If they did test for Celiacs, know that the testing is not always all that accurate.  There are several methods to get tested, genetic testing, antibody blood panel, biopsy, and/or fecal tests.  Most of the methods show a pretty high rate of false negatives (except for the genetic testing; its kind of like pass fail, but if you do have the genetic markers it doesn't mean you definitely have it, and if you don't it doesn't necessarily mean you don't).  It can just give you a good idea of whether you are more likely to develop it.  So it may be more effective for you to just research celiacs, and gluten and then eliminate gluten completely for at least a month and see how you feel; you could begin to see results within just a few days.