Fibromyalgia and Sinus Infection

According to Fibromyalgia-Symptoms.org, 90 percent of fibromyalgia patients suffer from allergy symptoms such as headache, congestion, itchy eyes and runny nose. These symptoms can lead to sinusitis, a swelling of sinus cavity linings and infection.

Sinusitis Symptoms

• Sinusitis symptoms include congestion, pain and swelling near the nose and forehead, yellow or green nasal discharge, sore throat and ear pain.

Acute Sinusitis

• Acute cases of sinusitis are common. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology reports that sinusitis makes up 20 percent of visits to allergists and immunologists.

Chronic Sinusitis

• Sinusitis is chronic when symptoms last longer than a week or require more than one visit to a doctor. Chronic sinusitis is a common problem for people with fibromyalgia.

Causes

• Chronic sinusitis and infection are caused by allergies, respiratory infection, nasal polyps and deviated septum.

Prevention

• Minimize the risk of sinus infection by using a humidifier, avoiding smoke and air pollutants, rinsing sinuses and keeping away from those with cold or flu symptoms.

Warning

• If left untreated, sinus infections can spread to the eye socket and cause lasting vision problems. Fibromyalgia patients should be especially careful, because they are prone to infection.