Sinusitis and vertigo are both medical issues that could interfere with the day-to-day functioning of life, and the two together can be debilitating. Any time seasonal allergies take hold, everyone will discover that they must suffer from sinus infections as well as dizziness. This is one reason why many people wonder: Can a sinus infection cause vertigo when seasonal allergies are kicking in?
We will inform you here in this article how the two conditions are connected and how to treat them.
What is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is due to your sinuses—air pockets in your head—becoming inflamed, most commonly due to an infection. Colds, allergies, and other causes trigger it. Symptoms are facial pain, congestion, yellow-green thickened mucus, headache, and sometimes fever. Chronic sinus infections have symptoms that last weeks to months.
What is Vertigo and Why Does It Happen?
Vertigo is a form of dizziness that provokes the perception of movement, and it is also referred to as the spinning of the room. It is different from common dizziness because it occurs most commonly due to an inner ear or brain disorder. Vertigo is induced by numerous reasons, including infection, vestibular disease, or head injury. People will begin feeling that walking or driving is risky when they are exposed to vertigo.
Can a Sinus Infection Cause Vertigo? A Medical Overview
A sinus infection can produce vertigo. This is how it occurs:
- Inflammation of the Inner Ear: Sinus infection gives rise to such conditions as labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, which ruin the balance function of the inner ear.
- Buildup of Fluid: Inflammation causes the buildup of fluid within the ear, which cripples its performance and results in vertigo.
- Sinus Pressure: Excess pressure due to the blocking of the sinuses is sent to the inner ear to create dizziness and vertigo.
- Blockage of Eustachian Tube: Blockage of the Eustachian tube disrupts the balance of pressures in the ear, leading to dizziness and congestion.
How Sinus Infections Affect the Balance System
The inner ear-regulated body balance mechanism can be affected by sinus infection, as:
- Inner Ear Disturbance: Vertigo may result from a sinus infection or edema that disrupts the vestibular system.
- Eustachian Tube Obstruction: Sinus congestion may cause Eustachian tube obstruction, which is not helpful in pressure regulation and causes dizziness.
- Pressure on the Balance Organs: Increased sinus pressure can strike the balance organs in an ear and cause vertigo due to a pressure imbalance.
The Connection Between Seasonal Allergies and Sinus Congestion
Allergies will induce congestion and sinus pressure, and this can later lead to vertigo and sinus infection. This is how the allergies are guilty of causing such symptoms:
- Allergy Triggers: The most common offenders behind seasonal allergies are pollen and mold, which tend to cause inflamed nasal passages and sinuses.
- Sinus Inflammation: Allergens breathed into the air make the sinuses irritated, and these lead to congestion and mucus.
- Sinus Pressure: Congestion and swelling result in sinus pressure, which results in infection susceptibility and pain.
- Increased Infection Susceptibility: Sinus pressure caused by congestion offers a ground for viral or bacterial infection to find a space and turn an allergic attack into a sinus infection.
- Susceptibility During Allergy Season: Allergic individuals become more susceptible to sinus infection during the allergy season since their sinuses will become more swollen.
- Relation with Vertigo: The Relation of vertigo to sinus infection is common during the season of allergy, especially in a patient who has a history of sinus illness.
Can a Sinus Infection Cause Vertigo During Allergy Season?
Yes, it’s not unusual to have both sinus infections and vertigo during allergy season. With allergens present in the air irritating the sinuses, your sinuses get filled up, and fluid buildup results in infection. The pressure build-up in the sinuses can be transferred to the inner ear and trigger vertigo symptoms to begin.
Actually, studies show that the combination of sinus infection and vertigo can be rather merciless during the allergy season since the immune system has already been weakened by pollen and other allergens. This renders it difficult for the body to defend itself against infections and remain in balance.
Signs Your Vertigo Might Be Linked to a Sinus Infection
Some of the symptoms of your vertigo that may be due to a sinus infection are:
- Sinus pressure: Ongoing pressure in your forehead, eyes, and cheeks.
- Thick nasal secretion: Yellow or green mucus, which is infectious.
- Headaches: Recurring sinus headache blurred vision that worsens with sinus congestion.
- Ear fullness: Ear fullness or hearing loss with fluid buildup.
- Dizziness: Vertigo with sinus pressure and headache.
If you feel these symptoms along with dizziness, a sinus infection is causing your vertigo.
Sinus Pressure, Fluid Buildup, and Their Role in Vertigo
Sinus pressure is also a common cause of vertigo and sinus infection. A sinus infection will lead to Eustachian tube occlusion, and this will make it easy to control ear pressure. This balance loss by pressure will result in abnormal deformities of internal ear function, resulting in vertigo. Bacterial fluid congestion can also hinder the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear to make a person dazed and even lose their balance.
How to Manage Vertigo Caused by Sinus Infections
Treatment for vertigo caused by a sinus infection consists of treating the sinus infection as well as the symptoms of vertigo. Some methods for doing that include
- Decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants will reduce pressure in the sinuses as well as congestion.
- Nasal sprays: Steroid nasal sprays will reduce swelling in the sinuses as well as prevent fluids from settling in the sinuses.
- Hydration: Adequate fluid intake will dilute mucus and make it drain from the sinuses.
- Steam inhalation: Steam or a humidifier will thin mucus and decrease sinus pressure.
- Balance exercises: Vestibular rehabilitation exercises retrain the brain and enhance balance when vertigo does not improve.
When to See a Doctor for Sinus Infection and Vertigo Symptoms
Most sinus infections can be managed at home, but if:
- Symptoms persist for more than 10 days.
- You develop a fever and dizziness.
- Vertigo is bad and interferes with your daily functioning.
- You have a history of vestibular disorders or some other form of balance disorder.
If your vertigo is affecting your quality of life, it is important to seek a healthcare provider in order to get proper treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a sinus infection can indeed cause vertigo, particularly when your sinuses are most vulnerable to infection and inflammation during allergy season. When you have dizziness along with sinus pressure, you need to treat the sinus infection and consult for treatment to avoid the threat of vertigo. By removing the causative agents and getting medical treatment at an early stage, you are exempt and can avoid further complications.
FAQ’s
Can seasonal allergies cause vertigo?
Yes, seasonal allergies bring about sinus congestion that damages the inner ear and results in vertigo.
What should I do if I have vertigo from a sinus infection?
Drink plenty of fluids, decongest, and use a humidifier to find some relief. If you still experience vertigo, go see a doctor.
How long can vertigo last due to a sinus infection?
Vertigo usually continues as long as the sinus infection remains, but it typically stops once the infection clears.
Is vertigo from a sinus infection dangerous?
Vertigo itself is not usually hazardous, but it can be hazardous regarding falling or an accident. In extreme cases, call for help.
