Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, are a common health problem affecting millions of people every year. When the sinuses become inflamed or infected, they can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. Most people know the common symptoms of a sinus infection, such as nasal congestion, facial pain, postnasal drip, and headaches. However, sinus infections can also cause several lesser-known symptoms. If you’re experiencing dizziness, you may be wondering if it could be the result of a sinus infection. So, could it be sinusitis that’s making you feel dizzy?
Link Between Sinus Infections and Dizziness
If you've ever experienced a sinus infection, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Along with the stuffy nose, facial pain, and pressure, you may also experience dizziness. Although many people don’t realize it, there’s actually a direct connection between sinus infections and feeling dizzy.
How Sinus Infections Lead to Dizziness
When you have a sinus infection, the inflammation and congestion in your sinuses can affect your balance. This is because your inner ear is responsible for maintaining your balance, and it's located right next to your sinuses. When your sinuses are inflamed, they can put pressure on your inner ear, leading to dizziness.
Another way that sinus infections can cause dizziness is by affecting your vision. When your sinuses are congested, it can put pressure on your eyes, causing them to feel heavy and tired. This can make it difficult to focus, which can lead to dizziness and disorientation.
Treatment Options for Dizziness Caused by Sinus Infections
If you are experiencing dizziness as a result of a sinus infection, there are a variety of treatment options available to you.
Medical Treatments
If your dizziness is severe or persistent, you may need to seek medical treatment. An ENT doctor, such as the expert physicians on our team at Texas ENT Specialists, may prescribe you antibiotics to treat the underlying sinus infection. Additionally, over-the-counter medications such as decongestants or antihistamines can help relieve sinus pressure and congestion, which can, in turn, alleviate dizziness.
In some cases, your doctor may also recommend a nasal spray or other medication to help reduce inflammation in the sinuses. These medications can help reduce swelling and pressure, which can help alleviate dizziness.
Home Remedies
In addition to medical treatments, there are also several home remedies that can help reduce dizziness caused by sinus infections. These remedies include the following:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Using a humidifier to moisten the air and reduce sinus irritation
- Applying a warm compress to the face to help relieve sinus pressure
- Getting plenty of rest to help your body fight off the infection
What Is the Takeaway?
Although dizziness doesn’t accompany every sinus infection, it’s absolutely a potential sinusitis symptom. If you’re experiencing dizziness as well as other common symptoms of a sinus infection, there’s a good chance that an infection is to blame. At Texas ENT Specialists, our expert ENT doctors will be able to evaluate your symptoms, determine if you’re suffering from sinusitis, and get you started on an effective treatment plan. Contact us today if you’d like to schedule a consultation.
