When fatigue strikes, sinusitis is often an overlooked contributor. Fighting a sinus infection requires a lot of energy, so avoid overdoing it when you have sinusitis.
Sometimes sinusitis is the result of an undiagnosed allergy. In this case, symptoms may never seem to go away or may go away only to return during certain seasons.
If you’re dealing with sinusitis, visit an ear, nose, and throat specialist like our board-certified ENT physicians at Southern ENT Associates. We provide top-quality care to patients throughout southern Louisiana. Our team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating a full range of conditions that affect your head and neck, including sinusitis.
If you’re fighting a sinus infection, rest should be a top priority. In this post, we discuss sinusitis and the importance of resting when it strikes.
Acute sinusitis
Sinusitis may occur following a cold or flu. When you have a cold, the offending virus or bacteria can cause inflammation in your sinus membranes. This is known as viral or bacterial sinusitis.
There are more than 200 viruses that cause the common cold. They belong to a family of viruses known as rhinoviruses.
Various bacteria cause sinusitis. The most common are:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Streptococcus pyogenes
Cold and flu symptoms typically include sore throat, runny nose, and sinus congestion. If a virus or bacteria causing your cold or flu infects your sinuses, the lining swells, causing sinus pressure and pain. Sinus headache and thick, yellow discharge are common signs of sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis
While an acute sinus infection is temporary, chronic sinusitis lasts for more than 12 weeks. Respiratory allergies and nasal polyps (benign growths) are common causes of chronic sinusitis.
Both chronic and acute sinusitis can sap your energy. If you’re combating a sinus infection following a cold or flu, rest can help you recuperate.
However, rest is unlikely to relieve fatigue associated with chronic sinusitis. If you have chronic sinusitis, your immune system is working overtime, which can cause you to feel tired.
Treating sinusitis restores energy
Acute sinusitis resolves on its own as your body clears the virus or bacteria that is causing your symptoms. Chronic sinusitis requires comprehensive evaluation and treatment. The good news? Effective treatment restores energy in patients with sinusitis-associated fatigue.
The treatment we recommend depends on the underlying cause. If polyps are the cause, we may suggest surgery to remove the polyps and restore nasal airflow and drainage.
For patients with allergies, a treatment plan to manage your allergies should improve your sinusitis symptoms. You can rely on our skilled providers at Southern ENT Associates to provide a thorough evaluation and recommend the most appropriate treatment to help you get relief from chronic sinusitis.
Sinusitis can make you feel miserable. If you’re struggling with symptoms, visit us at Southern ENT Associates to get to the root of the problem and on the road feeling better. To get started, call the office nearest you to schedule a visit.
Southern ENT Associates is a premier provider of ear, nose, and throat services in southern Louisiana. Our offices are located in Thibodaux, Houma, Raceland, Morgan City, New Iberia, and Youngsville, Louisiana.