Sinus infections can lead to many undesirable symptoms. Nasal pain, headache, runny nose, fatigue, congestion, fever, nasal discharges, and double vision are commonly associated with such sinus problems. Can sinus infections cause dizziness? The answer is a definite yes. The resulting dizziness contributes to a sinus infection's ability to inhibit your activities of daily living. You may frequently feel lightheaded and may even fall down due to unsteadiness.

Causes of dizziness from sinus infections

All sinusitis sufferers may not experience dizziness. Yet sinus infections can make you feel dizzy if the root cause is a viral cold infection. The common cold, which may cause dizziness, can quickly progress to inflammation of the sinuses. If the maxillary sinuses are affected, the sinus pressure can reach the eye region resulting in eye pain and dizziness.

Moreover, an abnormal buildup of fluid in the ears increases inner ear pressure. If this happens, the vestibular labyrinth may become predisposed. Since it is a structure responsible for calculating balance, compromising the labyrinth would lead to symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and vertigo. If it becomes infected, then it is a condition known as labyrinthitis. Viral upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, and sinus infections usually cause this disorder.

How to treat the dizziness?

Prevention is the best cure! You should therefore make sure to eat a diet filled with nutritious fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system. If you decrease the chances of sinus infection, then you are also staving off the resulting dizziness. Other management options for sinus infection and dizziness include:

1. Antioxidants and Vitamins - Red grapes and tomatoes are excellent sources of antioxidants that help decrease your susceptibility to infection. It is also wise to supplement your diet with vitamins, especially if you have a weak immune system.
2. Allergy Removal - Have a decent air conditioning system installed in your home. Air conditioning units are now equipped with allergy removal electrostatic filters to clean the surrounding air.
3. Medications - Antibiotics are usually prescribed for sinus infections. By taking them, you are also relieving any secondary symptom like dizziness. But do not abuse antibiotics or you will no longer reap its therapeutic effects. Decongestants, expectorants, and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed as needed. You may also consider non-pharmacologic home remedies, like steam inhalation therapy and hot showers. Dizziness is usually managed by taking drugs like meclizine and scopolamine. For allergy-related labyrinthitis, antihistamines will do the trick.
4. Increase Fluid Intake - Good hydration makes it less likely that you will contract an infection. You should also wash your hands regularly to help prevent transmission. Viruses are easily transmitted through hand contact.
5. Lifestyle Modification - Stop smoking! Smoke is a potent irritant to your nasal mucus membranes, which often leads to infection. Alternatively, you should exercise regularly to help your body to fight pathogenic infections.
6. Treat Your Colds - The common cold is one of the most common causes of sinus infection. Without treatment, colds can last for one to two weeks. Prompt management of colds may prevent complications like sinus infections.