is it really a sinus infection? - Sinus Problems Message Board

kvtmc · 12-26-2006, 08:43 PM

I posted the other day about a tender pain on the top of my head with an earache. Well I went to the Dr. and she told me I had a bad sinus infection. She checked me for other more serious things (by checking my pupils, eye movements, facial movements, etc.) but said it was definately a bad sinus infection. She said even though I do not have a stuffy nose I can still have a sinus infection. I was just wondering does this make sense to anyone that without a stuffy nose, or pain on my forehead and cheeks it is still an obvious sinus infection? please tell me you opinions.

greenpaisley · 12-28-2006, 08:41 PM

I am having the same problems. This happens to me when I stand up from lying on the couch or in bed. It is almost like I am unbalanced with a horrible pain on the right front side of my head. I also have an ear infection.

Have you just gotten over the flu?
I just did. I was sick for seven days. It was horrible. The whole time that I was sick though, I did not have a stuffed nose, just a sore throat, body aches, and very high fevers. I am now taking Mucinex to clear up the fluid in my lungs. (I did not think that I had any, but now I see that I definitely do!) I have not been to the Dr and plan to wait a little longer to see if these pains go away. I suspect that they are from a sinus infection. Let me know if you find some relief in another fashion.

BioAdoptMom3 · 12-28-2006, 09:32 PM

I just got over a sinus infection too after being on antibiotics for two weeks and I never had a stuffy nose either. What my doctor explained to me was that a lot of inflammation can trap all the congestion further up in your sinuses and in that case it would manifest itself with other symptoms like pain and maybe dizziness, but not stuffiness. I did have the type of pain you are describing, along with pain along the tops of my cheekbones. One way to help determine if it is a sinus infection or not is to try taking something like Sudafed or Dimetapp. It if helps it is probably a sinus headache. I get them a lot. I am giving you that advice for future reference though since you already have a diagnosis this time. I would just take the antibiotics and if it doesn't seem better by Monday I would call the doctor again.

Nancy

ihaveaheadache · 12-30-2006, 01:58 PM

They tell me the same thing at the doctor's office sometimes when I have prolonged headaches with mild nasal stuffiness and put me on antibiotics. I am always skeptical but sometimes the antibiotics do help so I wonder if it really was a sinus infection. Also, migraines can cause ear pain, sinus pressure, nasal stuffiness, neck and shoulder pain etc... because the trigeminal nerve runs along those areas as well and when that becomes inflamed you can feel sinus related symptoms.

aussie_jono · 12-30-2006, 05:19 PM

If a dose of Sudafed plus a shot of Afrin into each nostril helps, then it is almost certainly sinus headache.

If they occur frequently, regular use of a nasal steroin (ie Fixonase) may help prevent them, or corrective surgery may be required.

Advil Sinus, plus inhaling steam with eucyliptus oil added brings a lot of relief