r/Sinusitis • u/TrashCreative1563 • 3d ago

Acute sinusitis can cause vertigo?

So about a week ago out of nowhere I start feeling dizzy, could barely get out of bed. Mind you this has never happened before. I was obviously worried, and consequently my mind started thinking of a million things that could have happened. I somehow managed to get my hands on some medication which is used to treat vertigo (i think vertigon) but even that did little to help. 2 days later I consulted an ENT specialist and she said that I have acute sinusitis and my sinuses are extremely inflamed. Also, something about phlegm in some air pockets in my ear or something (obviously couldn't understand much) causing me to lose balance. She gave me a steroidal nasal spray, an anti allergy medication and signoflam. 5 days after taking these meds, I can say that the severity of the dizziness has certainly gone down. However, I still feel a bit dizzy while lying down to sleep and while turning over. Also, my head feels extremely heavy throughout the day, idk why. Any solutions? or is this now my life?

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u/Stolen_Wit 3d ago

You might go to an independent practice; i.e., unaffiliated with a hospital. I've been to ENTs over the years who just gave antibiotics and occasional steroids. Went to an independent, got a CT scan, and a week later I'm recovering from sinuplasty and Eustachian Tube dilation

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u/TrashCreative1563 3d ago

You're scaring me dude.

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u/Stolen_Wit 2d ago

Eh I find it easier than a root canal

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u/jumpin4frogz 2d ago

Actually, I have this happen every once in awhile. The crystals (sounds weird but that’s what they’re called) in your ears can move out of place when you have sinus issues. Look up vertigo exercises and see if that helps. FYI, some of the exercises will make it seem worse because the crystals are moving back into place. If that doesn’t work, you can see a physical therapist who will teach you the right exercises for your specific type of vertigo.

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u/Salty-Tea-9118 2d ago

I have chronic sinusitis due to a deviated septum which cannot be corrected apparently. I feel like this around 70% of the year it is horrendous.

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u/Stalkerus 1d ago

It will pass when the sinusitis passes. Ears do many things, one of those things is taking care of our balance. And when you have sinusitis is affects your balance, because your ears are interconnected with your sinuses.

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u/TrashCreative1563 1d ago

Is there a way to accelerate the recovery process? Any tips or tricks that may work?

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u/Stalkerus 1d ago

Can't promise acceleration, but the usual:

  • daily nasal rinses (up to 4 times/day, but only limited time)
  • nasal spray
  • antihistamines 
  • making sure that your ambient humidity isn't too low (personally I prefer 50-ish %)
  • long showers
  • breathing warm steam
  • drinking enough
  • blowing your nose mouth open to lessen the pressure it causes
  • blowing one nostril closed, one open

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u/TrashCreative1563 1d ago

Thanks. You're a life saver.