Sinus congestion/Anxiety/Panic - Sinus Problems Message Board

ahope4u · 03-22-2003, 04:16 AM

I have been suffering with anxiety/panic for at least 10-15 years. Besides the average symptons of anxiety/panic, I have severe sinus problems. I've had to surgeries to relieve a blockage. I don't suffer with the intense headaches any longer although I do get pressure on my forehead and above my eyes. My problem is congestion!! When I wake up in the mornings, it's pure hell. I seem to acquire so much mucus while I'm sleeping. Upon awakening I feel like I'm smothering. I get the pressure not only in my forehead but in my chest also. Weakness, anxiety that often leads into a full blown panic attack. When barometric pressure drops(especially when it's going to rain), I feel so much pressure in my head and chest. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind when this happens. So far, the only thing that gives me a bit of relief is Afrin pump spray. It helps with the swelling and allows my sinus' to drain.
I've tried to use Paxil but because of its drying effects it just causes more anxiety and panic for me. Xanax is the only thing getting me through these episodes. A low dosage but I'm afraid I will become dependent and the low dosage is barely taking the edge off. I don't want to increase it. I feel if I get my sinus condition under control then I will be able to get my anxiety/panic disorder in check without medication.

Does anyone have this problem? And if so, a few words of advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hope

longell · 03-28-2003, 08:22 AM

Have you seen a neurologist? I have similar symptoms and I have migraine headaches.

maichim · 03-28-2003, 08:57 AM

Hi ahope4u
I was getting really bad pressure headaches along with my diagnoses of sinusitis. Sometimes I would get "dizzy" episodes as well, and the dizziness with the massive headache and face pressure would give me anxiety symptoms (increased heartrate, chest pressure). My doctor wanted to check this out, so she hooked me up to a Halter monitor for a day to check my heat beats. I thought I was crazy, but when she got the results back she confirmed that when I documented my sinus "episodes", my heart beats shot up to 110 beats per minute. She was going to suggest anxiety meds but felt it might br premature. Now that I am getting relief (my ENT has been doing steriod shots into my sinuses), I am feeling better after suffering for 6 months.

I can see how the addition of the sinus problems you are having would contribute to your pre-existing anxiety condition. The symptoms can be so awful and intense. I hope you get some relief soon.

ahope4u · 03-29-2003, 08:33 AM

Thank you so much for your reply. I knew that my sinus' were associated with my anxiety. I don't feel like a "nut" anymore. Glad to know you are feeling better. I think I may go see my ENT to discuss further treatment.

Noah · 04-12-2003, 10:30 AM

I did have a little anxiety after my sinus surgery, but I think that was related to the Medrol dose pack (systemic steroids). But I will say that the headache and pressure 24/7 for 3 years has made me feel pretty desperate sometimes. I can certainly imagine that the feeling of not being able to breathe would cause panic attacks, so you are not strange for feeling that way. I would guess that some asthma patients probably have similar reports. If you are at your wits end you might consider inquiring with a doctor for some kind of strong pain reliever like Vicodin. It has a strong anti-inflammatory built in, and you will get a good night's sleep.

Another thing I used to do is take 12-Hour sudafed before going to bed. Since it is a stimulant, it can be hard to sleep sometimes, but when you do, you will wake up with a much clearer head because you actually got to breathe during the night. Sometimes nasal strips and Menthol have also helped me sleep better.