Infected mucus can spread bacteria or fungus down to the digestive tract. Although people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar gastric conditions are the most vulnerable, anyone with sinusitis may end up facing an upset stomach or diarrhea alongside their other symptoms.
The main symptoms of sinusitis are pain and a feeling of pressure in your face. You may also get a blocked or stuffy nose, green or yellow mucus coming from your nose, a raised temperature, a cough and a general feeling of being unwell.
Your body uses up a lot of energy to fight off a sinus infection, and this can cause you to feel fatigued for the time you have it. Some of the other symptoms of the condition, such as dizziness and a cough, can also make you feel more and more tired with time.
Sinus infections can have many cold or flu-like symptoms, which is why these can be easily confused. Sinus infections – also known as sinusitis – are caused by an inflammation of the sinuses.
Viral infections are spread the same way as bacterial infections. The difference is that the viral infection will start to improve after 5 to 7 days of the initial onset of the symptoms. There is no one definitive way for a doctor to determine if you have a bacterial or viral sinus infection based on symptoms alone.
Acute sinusitis lasts for less than four weeks. Chronic sinusitis can last for more than 12 weeks. The majority of sinus infection sufferers will see their symptoms start to resolve after about 10 days. While one to two infections a year is considering normal, more than four requires medical attention.
Untreated sinusitis can cause the thickened mucus to continuously drip down the back of your throat, which, over time, can irritate your voice box and contribute to dry cough and hoarseness.
See a doctor if you have: Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain. Symptoms that get worse after improving. Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better.
A cold typically causes peak symptoms around days three to five and then will improve over the next week. A sinus infection can cause symptoms for longer, with up to 10 or 12 days of more consistent symptoms. If your peak symptoms last for more than a week you can suspect a sinus infection.
Because your body is trying to fight off the sinus infection it is expending more energy than normal which can make you feel fatigued, even to the point of wanting to sleep all day.
If you have acute sinusitis, your symptoms likely will go away within a week to 10 days, but some people have symptoms that last up to four weeks. Chronic sinusitis symptoms last 12 weeks or more. Acute sinusitis (sinus infection) can clog your nose with mucus, make your face hurt and make you feel exhausted.
If the condition lasts longer than ten days, or there is a worsening of symptoms after five to seven days, the sinusitis is more likely caused by bacteria than a virus.
Acute sinusitis lasts for less than four weeks. Chronic sinusitis can last for more than 12 weeks. The majority of sinus infection sufferers will see their symptoms start to resolve after about 10 days. While one to two infections a year is considering normal, more than four requires medical attention.
You doctor may recommend antibiotics if: You have symptoms of a bacterial infection and you have not gotten better after 10 days, even with home treatment. Your symptoms are severe, or you have other problems, such as pus forming in your sinus cavities.
Untreated sinusitis allows bacteria and other harmful pathogens to enter the bloodstream and travel all throughout the body, leading to the following potentially life-threatening conditions. Meningitis develops when infection targets the brain or spinal fluid. It requires immediate medical attention.
As your body works hard to fight off the sinus infection, you'll feel more tired than usual. Fatigue can be also be caused by head pain, a lack of adequate sleep, and difficulty breathing due to sinusitis.
Problem #5: Poor Sleep
But the most common reason for nasal congestion that is seen routinely is due to inefficient breathing and poor sleep. This is why sleep apnea sufferers, more often than not, suffer relentlessly from nasal congestion.
Sinusitis may require a call to your doctor.
Although many sinus infections go away on their own, you may need to see a doctor if: You have severe symptoms from the beginning. You start to get better but then feel worse again. Have symptoms that last more than 10 days.
When the sinuses are infected they become inflamed, which can lead to increased pressure on the inner ear. This area is responsible for one's balance and orientation, so when it's disrupted, dizziness can occur. Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or movement when you're standing still.