Tired and Achy? Check Your Sinuses

Recurring sinus infections may be the culprit behind arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue diagnoses.

By Elena Rover

From Reader's Digest

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If you feel worn-out and sore, it could be all in your head -- specifically your sinuses. It's even possible that your arthritis, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome is a misdiagnosis of pain and tiredness from recurring sinus infections, says Alexander C. Chester, MD, a clinical professor of medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center.

Symptoms. Dr. Chester estimates that half of people with chronic sinusitis have serious body aches and fatigue. The pain can be all over but more pronounced in spots like the shoulders, neck, and hips. Tooth pain and sensitivity can also send people racing to the dentist, when a sinus infection is the actual culprit.

Home care. First try a saline spray, decongestant, or antihistamine. Capsaicin pepper spray is an alternative remedy showing some promise. Staying well hydrated can keep nasal secretions flowing freely, preventing stuffiness that can harbor infection. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about prescription remedies. Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections and reduce swelling in sinuses.

Surgery. Dr. Chester advises considering surgery after three months of unsuccessful treatment. More than 200,000 endoscopic sinus surgeries are done in the United States each year to enlarge narrow passages and improve drainage. They have an 85 percent success rate. The operation takes about an hour and can be done under general or local anesthesia.

From Reader's Digest - January 2009

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"Half of people with chronic sinusitis have serious body aches and fatigue".... That's because they've taken fluoroquinolone antibiotics for the infection, which caused the body aches and fatigue. Ever consider that?

By L, on 02/11/2010

well I never, I have all these symptoms and am fed up with it. It helped a lot to see the image of the sinuses. I can now understand what is going on in there! JH, England, UK

By J.H , on 11/18/2009

I sincerely hope this article is correct. I just had endoscopic nasal surgery and my recovery is much harder that what I was led to believe. I am sure I will be thankful down the road if me soreness and tiredness go away I am finally able to get some stage 4 sleep.

By bssullivan, on 04/27/2009

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Tired and Achy? Check Your Sinuses

Recurring sinus infections may be the culprit behind arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue diagnoses.

From Reader's Digest - January 2009

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