Can Sinusitis Cause Dizziness?

In essence, the answer is yes. Dizziness mostly stems from the function of your inner ear which controls your ability to balance. During a sinus infection it helps to understand what’s going on between your sinuses and your ears.

Understanding Your Sinuses

Your sinuses are situated between your forehead and cheeks and are part of your respiratory system. The linings of the cavities are made up of mucus-secreting tissue and tiny hairs called cilia, both of which perform the important job of filtering and cleansing toxins from the air that you breath in. This is why breathing through your nose is much safer and healthier than mouth breathing.

The mucus passes through your sinuses and into your nasal passages, then into your throat and is swallowed and eliminated with waste from your digestive system. One of the most vital functions of healthy sinuses is to keep you safe from infections by trapping pathogens which would otherwise manage to get a foothold.

When pathogens which are normally trapped by your sinuses get through, they can spread to other parts of your body such as eyes, bones, brain, or spine where they can then create infections. This often results in swollen and sore eyes, and pain in bones and joints. Sometimes the fluid around the brain may become infected, resulting in headaches, stiff neck, and high temperature.

Another function of your sinuses is to modify the effect of rapid temperature change such as when you go from a hot to a very cold environment or vice versa. The sinus cavities also give some protection to your face in the event of accident or trauma.

A further special function of your sinuses is to give tone and resonance to your voice which makes you sound like you and not like anyone else. This is why when you have a cold, and your sinuses are bunged up with mucus, your voice changes and loses its clarity.

Usually, your sinuses are filled with air, however, if the lining of the sinuses swell due to an infection, allergy or nasal polyps, mucus cannot drain away and becomes trapped. This trapped mucus can lead to bacterial, viral or fungal infections and this type of inflammation is known as sinusitis. While most people associate the condition with congestion and facial pain, its effects can extend beyond these common symptoms. One of the most unpleasant effects is dizziness which can have an impact on your daily activities and make you feel generally unwell.

How Can Sinusitis Cause Dizziness?

The relationship between your sinuses and balance relies greatly on the inner ear system which shares a close anatomical connection with your sinuses. When sinusitis develops, it can affect your balance in several ways:

• Pressure changes – Inflammation in the sinuses can create pressure in your inner ear which affects your ability to maintain balance.
• Fluid Build-up – Sinus infections can lead to increased fluid production, and this may have an impact on the delicate structures of your inner ear.
• Neural Pathways – Inflammation can irritate nearby nerve pathways which help coordinate balance.

These connections explain why you may experience dizziness along with other sinus symptoms. In the same way that migraines can affect balance, sinus pressure can create a range of equilibrium issues, and these arise due to the connection between your sinuses and inner ear system, so when one is affected, the other often experiences secondary issues such as:

• Unsteadiness when standing up quickly
• Room-spinning sensation
• Difficulty keeping balance during activities
• Light-headedness or disorientation

The good news is that as your sinusitis improves these balance-related symptoms usually resolve as well.

Common Symptoms Associated with Sinusitis

Some of the most common symptoms caused by having infected sinuses are:

• Blocked or runny nose
• Bouts of coughing
• Need to keep clearing throat
• Headache
• Pain in cheekbones and around eyes
• Raised temperature
• Impaired sense of smell and taste
• Pressure pain around sinuses
• Sore throat
• Halitosis

With treatment a sinus infection will often clear in between four and seven weeks but if neglected it can develop into a chronic or recurring problem.

Can Sinusitis Affect Your Eyes?

Air spaces below your eyes, known as maxillary sinuses, are the ones most likely to become infected. This may cause pain under your eyes and in your cheek bones. You also have air spaces behind your eyes known as sphenoidal sinuses, between your eyes known as ethmoidal sinuses, and above your eyes known as frontal sinuses.

There are various ways in which inflammation within the sinus cavities can affect and change your eyes and vision:

• Swollen eyelids – you may notice swelling around your eyes and particularly your eyelids.
• Eye discharge – mucus resulting from a sinus infection may cause watery and irritated eyes.
• Vision changes – this is rare but chronic sinusitis can cause blurred vision or problems with focusing. This is due to the infection spreading to the eye sockets and impacting on optic nerves.
• Eye pain – pressure from sinusitis can cause a dull ache around your eyes.
• Dry eyes – mucus from sinusitis can block your tear ducts resulting in a lack of natural lubrication to your eyes. This condition is known as dry eyes and can be treated with drops known as artificial tears.

Important Note: If you have a sinus infection which causes a high fever, confusion, double vision, or if you have an unusually stiff neck, you should seek urgent medical attention. Any of these symptoms may be a sign of more serious conditions requiring immediate IV antibiotic treatment.

Can Sinusitis Cause Ear Pain?

When your sinuses are inflamed and blocked, the pressure created can cause a blockage in the eustachian tube which runs from your ear into your throat. When fluids are unable to drain from your sinuses into your throat they can build up in your middle ear and this build up can become infected. If you have classic symptoms of sinusitis and suspect that this is the cause of your ear pain you can try treatments such as nasal irrigation, over-the-counter pain relief and decongestants. If the problem continues it is recommended you seek medical treatment.

Does Sinusitis Make You Tired?

It is very common for people suffering with sinus infections to also experience fatigue. There are a complex set of causes for this. When your body is fighting an infection, your immune system is working hard and this immune response, which needs a great deal of energy, can leave you feeling drained.

As your body fights the inflammation, chemicals known as cytokines are released. This is a normal part of your body’s natural response to infection, but it contributes to your feelings of fatigue.

A further symptom of sinus congestion and accompanying pain is disrupted sleep. Very often excess mucus can accumulate in your nasal passages and throat. When lying down this becomes more difficult to deal with and contributes to lack of sleep. Poor quality sleep leads to daytime drowsiness.

Both prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs used to manage sinus infection symptoms can have side effect that include drowsiness. This is particularly the case with decongestants and antihistamines.

Here are some tips to help you manage fatigue caused by sinusitis:

• Ensure you get plenty of rest whenever possible.
• Drink plenty of water, juice, herbal teas to help thin, dissolve and drain the mucus.
• Eat a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and nutrients to support your immune system.
• Use prescribed medications or over-the-counter preparations as recommended pharmacist or healthcare provider to ease congestion and pain.
• While light exercise is good for you, try to avoid anything too strenuous.

It is usual to feel extra tired during the time you have a sinus infection but if the tiredness is prolonged you should consult your doctor.

Can Sinusitis Cause Neck Pain?

Neck pain is not a classic sign of a sinus infection, but it may be one of the side-effect symptoms to be aware of. An observational study published in 2019 discusses the prevalence of self-reported neck pain amongst patients with rhinosinusitis. It was concluded that further research is needed to fully understand the connection.

Sometimes pain in other parts of the body such as the neck can be referred pain but if you have a sinus infection with neck pain that is severe or which won’t go away, you should see a doctor. It is also recommended you seek medical attention if the neck pain radiates down your legs or arms or is accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling or weakness.

Is Sinusitis Contagious?

The answer to this question is yes and no. Research has found that sinusitis itself is not an infectious disease, however, most cases of sinusitis are caused by a virus such as rhinovirus or influenza virus, both of which are very contagious and can be passed on. For example, the common cold is a typical viral cause of sinusitis, and this can spread through airborne droplets when someone nearby sneezes, coughs, or speaks.

A sinus infection which is not infectious is one caused by a bacterium such as streptococcus pneumoniae or haemophilus influenza, or by fungus or blockages such as polyps in the nasal passageways.

There are a few well-known techniques to help you protect yourself and prevent the spread of germs:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly using soap and water.
• Anti-bacterial gel is effective as a belt and braces protection method. It is particularly useful when you are in situations where hand washing is not possible.
• Avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose and mouth.
• Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

All these general hygiene methods are good practice, but it is also important not to become over obsessed by a perceived need to keep washing hands and protecting yourself from germs. A certain amount of contact with everyday pathogens is inevitable and encourages a degree of immunity.

Supplements for Sinusitis

A holistic approach to managing the problem of sinus infection can be very effective and we have some natural and supportive supplements to help you manage and reduce duration of symptoms.

Echinacea

The antimicrobial and decongestant properties of echinacea are particularly beneficial for upper respiratory infections and congestion. This powerful herbal supplement has been found to reduce pain and inflammation, making it a valuable support during sinus infections. Read more about our Echinacea Tincture.

Zinc

A supplement which is known to shorten the duration of upper respiratory infections as well as being vital for the healthy function of your immune system. Zinc is also a powerful antioxidant, giving protection to cells from oxidative stress. Read more about our wholefood Zinc from guava leaf capsules.

Breathe Tisane

A herbal tisane for natural sinus and congestion relief. Containing echinacea, elderflower, marshmallow leaf, nettle, rosehip with vitamin C. Read more about our Breath Tisane.

Elecampane

An English herb which is prized for its use as an expectorant. It is used to support the treatment of respiratory infections and to clear mucus from the lungs. It is traditionally taken for bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough. It is also powerful enough to be used in cases of bacterial infections of antibiotic-resistant strains such as MRSA. Read more about our Elecampane Tincture.

Essential Oils

Our "Defence" essential oil blend combines cajeput, cypress, juniper berry, lemon myrtle and niaouli to help clear airways. Read more about our Defence Essential Oil.

Trans Resveratrol & Quercetin

Trans-resveratrol is a natural anti-inflammatory and quercetin a natural antihistamine, so this combination may help you manage sinus problems. Read more here.

Probiotics

Supporting gut health can positively impact your immune system and help to fight off infection. Read more about our Probiotic Gold capsules.

Other Self-Help Methods of Relieving Sinusitis

As well as taking natural supplements there are a few things which will help you manage sinus problems:

• Breath in the vapour from a bowl of hot water to which you have added some eucalyptus oil or other decongestant herbs. Put a towel over your head to make a tent.
• Drink plenty of fluids such as water or juice to dilute mucus and help it drain.
• Check humidity levels in your home. It may be that the air is too damp or too dry. If there’s a problem with damp it could lead to mould spores in the air, and these can cause an allergic reaction within the sinuses.
• Placing warm compresses on your face is comforting and may help to drain the mucus.
• Strive to achieve better quality sleep. Try elevating your head while sleeping.
• Practice relaxation techniques.
• Try to stay physically active whilst being careful not to overdo it and tire yourself.
• Get plenty of rest to help your body recover from fighting the infection.

It’s important to remember that natural support methods, whilst being very beneficial, should complement rather than replace professional medical advice, particularly in the case of persistent dizziness.

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When it comes to keeping you informed on health and nutrition, we’re here for you and aim to help where we can. If you would like to discuss any aspect of using natural supplements, or would find advice helpful, please feel free to contact us on 01297 553932