Occasional Vertigo

Intermittent

Occasional Vertigo

Sinusitis vertigo and dizziness are complications of a sinus infection. Caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungus, sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses. The sinuses are four hollow cavities in the human skull and are important parts of the immune system as they provide defense against infection. The sinuses are lined with mucous, which expels pollutants and bacteria from the body.

It is common for the infection that causes colds to also affect the sinuses and can contribute to dizziness. The dizziness is a result of fluid build-up in the ears that puts pressure on the eardrum and inner ear. This affects the vestibular labyrinth, which is intended to gauge balance, thus causing dizziness or vertigo. If dizziness is severe it can lead to nausea as well.

If a sinus infection leads to dizziness, it is due to a more serious bacterial infection, which requires treatment from a doctor. Dizziness is not a normal symptom of sinusitis and can lead to injury.

  1. Dizziness that includes occasional staggering when walking: 30%; Occasional dizziness: 10%; Meniere’s disease: Also known as Meniere’s syndrome is a disorder of the inner ear affecting both hearing and balance. Must be diagnosed. Symptoms include attacks ofvertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness.
  2. Thus, it appears that vertigo is caused early in AN growth, perhaps by destruction of the vestibular nerve or through interruption of the blood supply to the labyrinth. With growth, the central nervous system appears capable of adapting the loss of balance information from the affected ear, and thus the sense of vertigo subsides.

Sinus infection symptoms

Occasional dizziness or vertigo—not accompanied by other symptoms—shouldn’t be too worrisome. If you’re concerned, make an appointment with your doctor to get to the bottom of things. Dizziness can also be a side effect of medication; your doctor should be made aware of that, too. When to seek immediate help for a dizzy spell.

There are four types of sinus infection: acute sinusitis, subacute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis and recurrent sinusitis. These different types all range in severity and have varying duration times.

To determine whether or not you have a sinus infection, signs and symptoms to look out for are:

Sudden Severe Vertigo

  • Facial pain/pressure
  • Nasal stiffness
  • Nasal discharge – may be green or yellow depending on virus or bacteria
  • Loss of smell
  • Cough/congestion
  • Fever
  • Bad breath
  • Fatigue
  • Dental pain

Sinus infection and dizziness treatment

To treat a sinus infection, it’s important to understand the underlying cause. A sinus infection can often pass on its own without the need for treatment, however, if dizziness is a symptom, then treatment is warranted.

If the cause of a sinus infection is bacterial, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Over the counter decongestants can also be useful to ease symptoms and clear up breathing.

Home remedies to treat sinus infection

There are at home remedies as well, which can ease a sinus infection and its corresponding symptoms. Home remedies for a sinus infection include:

  • Taking a hot shower and inhaling steam through the nose
  • Using a steam vaporizer
  • Using topical medication with menthol on your chest
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to thin out mucous
  • Spicy foods to dissolve mucous
  • Salt-water rinse through the nasal cavity
  • Putting apple cider vinegar in hot water and drinking it like a tea
  • Avoiding alcohol, smoke or dry air
VertigoOccasional Vertigo

These home remedies are effective ways to get your breathing healthy once again, along with reducing headaches, pressure and ridding yourself of mucous.

Occasional Vertigo
Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Vertigo
Q: Occasionally I experience episodes of vertigo. What causes this, and are there any solutions?
A: Vertigo—the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning, even when your body is stationary—has different causes, but recurrent, sudden episodes are usually linked to the movement of tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear. For a variety of reasons (including head trauma), these crystals can become dislodged from their normal location, rendering you extrasensitive to changes in head position. There is a weird-sounding but effective treatment called the Epley maneuver, which involves a series of simple head adjustments to reposition the crystals. Your doctor can perform it in his office and then teach you how to do it on your own in the event of future episodes.
Next: The top causes of dizziness and the best ways to find relief
From the January 2011 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.