When you have sinusitis, you may feel like your world is upside down. The congestion, pain, and post-nasal drip are enough to send anyone reeling. But sometimes, the reeling is literal as well as figurative. Severe sinus infections can be accompanied by dizziness, loss of balance, and even outright vertigo. Learn more about the connection between vertigo and sinusitis.
So, what causes this Hitchcock-reminiscent problem? And, more importantly, what can you do about something as serious as vertigo?
The sinuses are pockets of air in the bones of our faces. They are lined with mucus-secreting membranes, which produce the mucus that helps keep our lungs free of debris. When the mucus membranes become inflamed, however, the mucus can’t move freely, and this can result in a sinus infection. The sense of facial pressure that accompanies sinusitis is the pressure of this mucus against the inside of the sinuses.
Understanding how ears work is an estuary of explanation for the cause of sinus infections; the Eustachian tube is literally a tube made of bone and cartilage. It stretches from your middle ear to the inferior nasal concha of the nose, right near your sinuses. During a bout of sinusitis, the infection or irritation can spread to this tube. Because the vestibular system, which is responsible for our sense of balance, is located in the middle ear, infection or irritation of the Eustachian tube can lead to loss of balance.
So, what can you do about this? Well, if you are experiencing any dizziness with your sinusitis, you really should see a doctor right away. It’s possible that your sinusitis is turning into an ear infection as well, and you may need antibiotics.
In the meantime:
- Don’t move around if you can avoid it—injuring yourself will not make it better!
- Drink plenty of water (get someone else to bring it to you).
- Drink tea to help open your sinuses
- Give us a call today! We can help get you on your feet again
Contact us about vertigo and sinusitis today!
Similar Posts:
- None Found