In this article we will talk about
Nasal congestion and dizziness
Nasal congestion in adults often causes discomfort. An excessive amount of fluid causes the tissues and blood vessels surrounding the nose to expand, giving the nose a "stuffy" obstructed feeling. Additionally, it is not required that it be accompanied with nasal discharge or a "runny nose."1
On the other hand, dizziness is common in adults and usually doesn’t need medical attention. Feeling off-balance, confused, lightheaded, or faint, as well as like you're spinning or that everything around you is moving, are all symptoms of dizziness (vertigo).2 But why can both conditions come together?
Why does nasal congestion make you dizzy?
In some medical conditions, such as sinusitis, allergies, and nasal polyps, both nasal congestion and dizziness are symptoms.3 Almost all these conditions cause dizziness in the same concept.
The functioning of the nasal and sinus airways is closely related to the performance of the vestibular system, which is housed in the ear and aids with balance. The vestibular system and the nasal and sinus airways are linked via the Eustachian tubes, which go from the middle ear to the back of the throat. Its function is to allow fluid to drain and air pressure inside the middle ear to equalize with the surrounding air.7
The Eustachian tube may be influenced by nasal congestion brought on by an allergy in a patient. Because it will frequently clog with mucus. As a result, it will stop working, and then dizziness will set in.4 In addition to that, during sinusitis, the sinuses can no longer drain effectively since they are inflamed from an infection. As a result, mucus and fluid accumulate in various ear, nose, and throat locations, including the Eustachian tube.5
Sinus infections can clog the auditory tube because of swelling and mucus secretions that are overly thick. However, if nasal polyps (soft, benign growths in the sinus or nasal airways brought on by persistent inflammation) are also present, a polyp may actually block or press on the auditory tube, impairing its functionality. Auditory tube dysfunction can create negative pressure in the middle ear and might result in vestibular system issues (the part of the ear that controls balance and equilibrium). If this occurs, you will feel dizzy.6
Prevention of dizziness caused by nasal congestion
Once you experience minimal symptoms, you can take action to solve your situation. These are some tips:8
Get moisture
In order to reduce the discomfort and pressure, and this can be applied in different ways, such as:
Use a warm, wet washcloth to cover the face.
Employ nasal saline spray many times per day.
Spend 15 minutes in the bathroom with a hot shower running.
Try to use a humidifier device.
Drink a lot of fluids, especially in the evening since it helps keep nasal mucus thin and reduce nighttime stuffiness.
Avoid extremely high or low temperatures.
Try Over the counter medication
Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be helpful in treating sinus pain and nasal pressure. Also, you can consider a decongestant as a tablet or nasal spray, but make sure to avoid using nasal decongestant sprays for longer than three days.
Other prevention tips
In order to reduce the discomfort and pressure, and this can be applied in different ways, such as:
Keep your head raised, as the pressure may worsen if you bend forward.
Gently blow your nose while blowing through the other, and block the other.
Don't shake your head or rise up too quickly.
Avoid using smoke, alcohol, salt, and caffeine. Since it may affect blood circulation.
Keep your windows closed, give your outdoor pets regular baths, and wash your clothes after being in the fresh air. To avoid allergy congestion.14
Nasal congestion treatment
Treatment of nasal congestion usually depends on the cause, but it should be managed in order to prevent dizziness and other complications. Treatment options include:9
Oral antihistamine: This type of medication is useful when you have an allergy. For example, Telfast 120 mg or 180 mg can be very effective in reducing allergy symptoms such as a stuffy or congested nose.10 Additionally, dizziness is treated with antihistamines.4
Nasal steroids: These medications are sprayed or inhaled into the nose to assist in easing the stuffy nose caused by nasal issues. They are also used to reduce nasal polyp growths or stop polyps from returning after being surgically removed.12
NASELFAST NASAL SPRAY is a TELFAST family intranasal corticosteroid. It is non-sedative and has been shown to be quite helpful in avoiding allergy symptoms for up to 6 months.11
Antibiotics: Although sinusitis is usually a viral infection, it may develop into a secondary bacterial infection. So, if your symptoms haven't improved in a long time, you can request antibiotics from your doctor.13
Decongestants: including nasal sprays, drops, or tablets Keep in mind that using some nasal decongestant sprays for more than three days in a row can cause nasal congestion to return or worsen.9
Note that long-term nasal issues that go untreated can result in more significant alterations to the middle and inner ear, including cholesteatomas, which is an abnormal mass of skin cells that develops deep inside the ear, and a retraction of the eardrum. It prevents sounds from reaching the middle ear, and they might cause conductive hearing loss.6
As Conclusion
Many nasal conditions, including nasal polyps, sinusitis, and allergies, can cause nasal congestion and dizziness as symptoms. Although they are different diseases, similar mechanisms produce dizziness in patients who are congested. But in order to avoid future issues, it should be avoided and addressed as soon as possible.
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nasal-congestion/basics/definition/sym-20050644 , last visited 11th December 2022
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dizziness/ , last visited 11th December 2022
3. https://www.medicinenet.com/dizziness_fatigue_headache_and_nasal_congestion/multisymptoms.htm , last visited 11th December 2022
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/dizziness , last visited 11th December 2022
5. https://www.sinusofsf.com/sinusitis/sinusitis-vertigo-causes-treatments/ , last visited 11th December 2022
6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/nasal-polyps-symptoms-dizzy-5208910 , last visited 11th December 2022
7. https://mwent.net/nasal-polyps-dizziness-whats-the-connection/ , last visited 11th December 2022
8. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/stuffy-ears-sinuses , last visited 11th December 2022
9. https://www.healthline.com/health/nasal-congestion , last visited 11th December 2022
10. https://telfast.com.au/products/telfast-180mg/ , last visited 11th December 2022
11. https://telfast.com.au/products/telnasal-allergy-spray/ , last visited 11th December 2022
12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/corticosteroid-nasal-route/description/drg-20070513 , last visited 11th December 2022
13. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/best-antibiotic-treat-sinus-infection-3121674/ , last visited 11th December 2022
14. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-allergies-cause-dizziness/, last visited 11th December 2022
15. Telfast-D Gulf PIL. last revised July 2021
16. Naselfast 55 micrograms/dose, nasal suspension, UAE PIL, last revised November 2021
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