Stress and anxiety can affect your sinuses indirectly by increasing your susceptibility to a range of health issues that, in turn, worsen your sinus problems. Sustained stress can weaken your body's immune system, making you more vulnerable to the effects of allergens, as well as germs, bacteria, viruses, infections.
Some research suggests a link between these two conditions. For example, a study published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology found that patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal obstruction were more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In a technical sense, stress itself does not cause sinus problems. However, it can leave your body susceptible to infections, including sinus infections. If you have an existing infection or other sinus issues, stress can also worsen these symptoms or infections.
Studies have shown that depression may amplify sinus-related problems in a number of ways: People with chronic sinusitis who are depressed report having worse sinus pain than those who aren't depressed. They also say they have less energy and more trouble with daily activities—classic symptoms of depression.
An increased incidence of depression and anxiety appears to be associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, and patients without nasal polyps seem to be at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety than those with nasal polyps.
Depression or Trauma
owever, any mental illness diagnosis that carries with it a large burden of negative emotions may also cause this problem, including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia.
Unilateral facial pain / swelling. Persistent bleeding/crusting with unilateral nasal obstruction. Persistent clear watery discharge (CSF leak - presents like a dripping tap from tip of nose) Persistent bulging eye associated with partial or total loss of vision, painful eye movements or double vision.
Even though depression and anxiety commonly accompany chronic rhinosinusitis, it's unclear whether the mental health issues preceded or followed the sinus issues. Up to 15 percent of adults suffer chronic rhinosinusitis at some point in time, previous research suggests.
Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection, growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Signs and symptoms may include a blocked or stuffy (congested) nose that causes difficulty breathing through your nose, and pain and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.
How Does Stress Cause Acid Reflux and Post Nasal Drip? Stress increases stomach acid and some of that excess acid will reflux up. The mucous will drip in the back of the nose and throat to coat the throat and provide protection from acid that can otherwise burn and cause ulcers.
Brief Summary: The study hypothesis is that the addition of an antidepressant to the standard treatment regimen in patients with both chronic sinusitis and depression or facial pain disorders and depression will decrease the report of chronic sinusitis or facial pain symptom severity.
Sinusitis vertigo is vertigo caused by a buildup of mucus in the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube runs from the inner ear to your throat. It's part of the system that helps you maintain your balance. When your sinuses are inflamed during a sinus infection, your sinuses can no longer drain properly.
Sinusitis symptoms that last for more than 12 weeks could be chronic sinusitis. In addition to frequent head colds, your risk for chronic sinusitis also goes up if you have allergies. "Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an allergy, virus, fungus, or bacteria and can go on for months or even years," says Dr. Flores.
A chronic sinus infection, sometimes called chronic sinusitis, some can last for 12 weeks or longer. They can be caused by fungal infections or untreated bacterial infections, the constant infection and inflammation of chronic sinusitis won't go away on its own.
Common causes of chronic sinusitis include nasal polyps; deviated nasal septum; complications of conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other diseases related to the immune system; recurrent respiratory infections; or allergies.
Fatigue: Sinusitis patients typically feel tired and achy. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids can help to combat this symptom and get you on the road to recovery more quickly.
Stiff Necks Cause Face, Jaw and Sinus Pain
The muscles of your head, jaw, face, the front of your neck and your upper trapezius muscles are commonly involved in sinus, jaw or face pain. Sometimes these trigger points and/or stiff neck joints can also lead to ear pain or sensation of loss of hearing.
Studies show that people who suffer chronic sinus infections and depression tend to feel more sinus pain than those without depressed moods. These people are also more likely to miss work or school, take more antibiotics, and have more doctor visits.
If you feel that you are blocked up but are not really producing mucus, then this is more indicative of a physical abnormality, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. It is quite common for people to complain of having a blocked nose on one side.
An anxiety attack could lead to pressure and heaviness in your head, along with a racing heart, trouble concentrating, and sweating. For most people, anxiety comes and goes. However, for others, anxiety can linger and worsen over time.