Sinus infections, sinusitis, asthma, sinus headaches and respiratory infections are all common occurrences during the winter season. Although many of us believe that sinus-related problems are seasonal they actually can occur all-year round.
Below are Bel Marra Health’s top stories in regards to all things sinus, asthma and respiratory-related in order for you to enjoy the winter season instead of dreading it because of sinus symptoms.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) related to asthma
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Sinus infection (sinusitis) is related to asthma. The sinuses are located in the cheekbones, around the eyes and behind the nose in hollow cavities. The sinuses help keep the air that is inhaled warm, moist and filtered by being lined with mucus. If something blocks the mucus from draining normally, an infection can occur.
The asthma and sinusitis relationship – also known as rhinosinusitis – exists because the conditions are quite similar and both affect airways. In fact, there are high rates of allergic rhinosinusitis in those with asthma. Sinusitis symptoms include sneezing, congestion and inflammation of the nasal passages. In asthmatics, the same things that trigger asthma can also trigger the nasal passages to become inflamed, thus contributing to sinusitis. Continue reading…
Sinusitis vertigo and dizziness, a complication of sinus infection
Sinusitis vertigo and dizziness are complications of a sinus infection. Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, which can becaused by bacteria, a virus, or fungus. The sinuses are four hollow cavities in the human skull and are important parts of the immune system as they provide defense against infection. The sinuses are lined with mucous, which expels pollutants and bacteria from the body.
It is common for the infection that causes colds to also affect the sinuses and can contribute to dizziness. The dizziness is a result of fluid build-up in the ears that puts pressure on the eardrum and inner ear. This affects the vestibular labyrinth, which is intended to gauge balance, thus causing dizziness or vertigo. If dizziness is severe it can lead to nausea as well.
If a sinus infection leads to dizziness, it is due to a more serious bacterial infection, which requires treatment from a doctor. Dizziness is not a normal symptom of sinusitis and can lead to injury. Continue reading…
Sinus infection can cause clogged ears, ear pain and temporary hearing loss
A sinus infection can cause clogged ears, ear pain and temporary hearing loss. A sinus infection is when your nasal cavities become swollen or inflamed, either due to an infection or as an allergic reaction. Ear pressure is a common symptom related to sinus infections. By relieving your sinus infection you can reduce ear pressure, pain and temporary hearing loss associated with the condition.
Aside from ear pain and dizziness, a sinus infection can also cause temporary hearing loss. Sinus-related hearing loss occurs when the infection spreads to the ears, specifically the middle ear. Hearing can become affected if inflammation puts pressure on the ear drum. This inflammation can cause discharge of fluid and the build-up of fluid in the eardrum, which leads to pain and temporary hearing loss.
When the fluid and pressure are relieved the hearing loss will reverse, and you can go back to hearing how you previously did, prior to the infection. If the fluid does not drain – commonly seen in children – the continuous pressure can cause the eardrum to burst, which contributes to permanent hearing loss.
It’s important to prevent sinus infections as well as treating them right away, so that you don’t encounter any complications.
Other health complications that can stem from a sinus infection are headaches and throat problems, such as coughing or a sore throat. Continue reading…
Facts about sinus headaches
Nobody enjoys a headache. The constant pounding in your head is enough to make you go crazy! There are many reasons why people develop headaches: stress, eye strain and even being hungover. Headaches can sometimes affect more than just your head, like in the case of sinus headaches.
Sinus headaches are commonly mistaken with sinusitis (sinus infection). In addition to the headache itself, you may also experience pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead. The problem occurs when sinus headaches are misdiagnosed as sinusitis, when in fact the patients have migraines or tension headaches instead. This is why it’s important to know and understand the different types of headache and what makes sinus headaches so unique. Continue reading…
Common respiratory infections don’t require antibiotics: Experts
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Experts have suggested that antibiotics should not be prescribed for ailments like the common cold, bronchitis, sore throat or sinus infections. The guidelines have come from experts at the American College of Physicians and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Both organizations believe that antibiotics are being over prescribed, especially for common ailments which do not require their use. Over-prescription of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) news release stated, “50 percent of antibiotic prescriptions may be unnecessary or inappropriate in the outpatient setting, which equates to over $3 billion in excess costs.” Continue reading…
