Experiencing Sinus Blockage, Swollen Lymph Nodes, and Lightheadedness?
Hello, I don’t often post here, so I appreciate your understanding if I stray from the usual format. I am a 28-year-old female currently on propranolol for anxiety management, without any other known health issues. For over a year now, I have been struggling with sinus congestion. Back in August, I visited my general practitioner who prescribed antibiotics and prednisone to treat what was diagnosed as a sinus infection. While my symptoms improved for a couple of weeks, they unfortunately returned in full force about a month after finishing the treatment, and they seem to be escalating quickly—particularly over the past three weeks. Along with the persistent congestion, I've been experiencing a low-grade fever that fluctuates between 99°F and 101°F, an unrelenting headache, neck discomfort, a sore throat with redness, mild disorientation (not confusion), fatigue, heightened sensitivity to light, intermittent sharp pains in my skull, and for the past week, I've had very vivid distressing dreams each night. Additionally, I’ve noticed that the lymph nodes at the back of my head and in my armpits are swollen, although those in my neck remain unaffected. Each morning, I awaken with a completely blocked nose, a persistent headache, neck soreness, a racing heartbeat, and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that makes it difficult to rise from bed. My GP has suggested returning to antibiotics, despite the fact they offered minimal relief last time. I have contemplated the possibility of meningitis or encephalitis but note that I am not experiencing nausea or any rashes. I’m really weary of feeling this way, and it seems my GP doesn’t perceive the seriousness of my situation as I do. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Would it be advisable to go to the emergency department, or should I just follow the recommendation to take antibiotics?
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 2:10:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's understandably frustrating to deal with persistent and escalating symptoms. Let’s break down your situation.
Main Points:
You are experiencing ongoing sinus congestion, headaches, low-grade fever, swollen lymph nodes, and lightheadedness. These symptoms have worsened despite previous antibiotic treatment for a sinus infection. While it's good to follow up with your general practitioner, the severity and persistence of your symptoms may require additional evaluation.
Explanation:
Your symptoms could be due to a few potential causes, such as chronic sinusitis, allergies, a more complex infection, or another underlying issue. Swollen lymph nodes and persistent fever suggest your body might be fighting an infection. The presence of light sensitivity and vivid dreams could indicate that your body is stressed, but it's important to consider all possibilities—especially with your history of treatment.
You are right to think thoroughly about your symptoms, and although meningitis and encephalitis typically present with nausea, rigidity, or altered mental status, having swollen lymph nodes and fever can indicate other infections that may also be serious.
Next Steps:
-
Immediate Monitoring:
- Keep a diary of your symptoms, including the severity of each, when they occur, and any patterns you might notice (like what might trigger or relieve them). This can help you provide detailed information to any healthcare professional you see next.
-
Re-evaluation of Symptoms:
- Because your condition has worsened, it may be wise to seek an evaluation from a healthcare professional, ideally a specialist (like an ENT or an infectious disease expert). If your symptoms escalate or you experience new symptoms like severe headache, neck stiffness, high fever (>101°F), confusion, or significant fatigue preventing you from functioning, consider visiting the emergency department.
-
Consider Alternatives:
- If the GP persists with antibiotics and you feel they offered little relief last time, calmly express your concerns and request alternatives. Chronic sinus symptoms might benefit from nasal corticosteroids or saline rinses, which can help to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation.
-
Stay Hydrated and Rest:
- Prioritize hydration and as much rest as you can manage. Over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can help manage your headache and fever, if appropriate for you – but remember to consult with someone on the safety of their use alongside your other medications.
-
Monitor Lymph Nodes:
- Continue to observe the swelling in your lymph nodes; if they continue to enlarge, feel hard and immovable, or cause you more discomfort, this is a sign to seek immediate help.
Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and it's important to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system. If you feel unsatisfied with the proposed treatment plan or still confused about your diagnosis, seeking a second opinion might provide you with more clarity. I hope you feel better soon!
Related Questions
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!
Normal MRI and EMG Reveal Nerve Slowdown
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female seeking guidance about some health issues I’ve been experiencing. Recently, I've noticed weakness in both my hand and arm, particularly in my dominant hand where grip strength has been notably diminished. After undergoing an EMG, the results indicated that my nerves are exhibiting a slowdown. However, my MRI results were unremarkable. To address some swelling I experienced, I was prescribed a course of steroids (4mg for a few months), which alleviated some of the issues, yet I still experience residual swelling in my hand. Often, my hand feels cold, and I notice a popping sensation when I move my fingers. Despite these sensations, I do not have any numbness or tingling, and the swelling appears sporadic. The pain I endure is quite severe, described as a hammering sensation throughout my hand. On occasion, I take ibuprofen (600mg) for relief, but it proves to be somewhat ineffective. My wrist itself seems fine, but my orthopedic specialist is considering a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), even though my symptoms don’t align with typical CTS indicators. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you may offer!
Chronic Hypersomnia Since Adolescence: A Seeking Path for Answers
I am a 30-year-old white male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, residing in the United States. **Current Medications:** - Adderall XR 40 mg - Sunosi 150 mg - Lisinopril 40 mg - Atenolol 25 mg - Tolvaptan 60 mg **Medical Background:** - Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) at stage 2 (eGFR 67) - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (utilizing CPAP machine since July 2024) - Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) **Symptoms Experienced:** - Persistent and overwhelming sleepiness—more than just fatigue—accompanied by a heavy feeling in my face and chest; I struggle to keep my eyes open and often feel as if I am burdened. - I sleep for 10 to 14 hours every night, supplemented by involuntary naps lasting 1 to 2 hours multiple times throughout the day. - None of my sleep feels restorative, leading to a groggy, hangover-like state upon waking. - Cognitive challenges including a lack of focus, forgetfulness, and trouble retrieving words, which have grown more pronounced over the last four years. - Activities as simple as showering or cooking now feel like moving through molasses. - I experience low physical endurance and lengthy recovery times, even though I previously maintained a regular exercise routine. My late father exhibited similar symptoms with the addition of seizures he associated with alcoholism, although he was never assessed medically. I, on the other hand, do not have any alcohol or addiction issues. **Specialist Consultations:** - **Sleep Specialist:** A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) ruled out narcolepsy with no Sleep Onset REM Periods (SOREMs) and a 12-minute latency. I comply with CPAP therapy for an average of eight hours each night, but there has been no alleviation of my symptoms. Testing revealed no periodic limb movement disorders, alpha-delta intrusions, or unexplained nighttime arousals. - **Nephrologist:** Symptoms are considered unlikely to stem from my current stage of ADPKD. Tests show I’m not anemic, with standard iron levels. - **Rheumatologist:** An ANA titer of 1:320 with a speckled and nucleolar pattern appears elevated; however, all specific autoimmune tests returned negative. Monitoring was suggested without a clear diagnosis provided. - **Psychiatrist:** It was determined that my symptoms do not seem to be connected to mental health issues. My therapist has also validated in a letter that my condition is unrelated to psychological factors. - **Miscellaneous Findings:** An arachnoid cyst was detected in my brain. My white blood cell count is borderline low and my red blood cell count alternates between normal and low realms. Testosterone levels are within the normal range, though morning cortisol is slightly elevated. Normetanephrine is elevated at 2.15 nmol/L, while metanephrine remains normal at 0.27 nmol/L. Both Vitamin D and B12 levels are adequate. Tests for STIs returned negative results. **Current Situation:** I am currently on disability, unable to work even in part-time capacities and can no longer engage in exercise, finding myself nearly confined to my home. I feel as though I am being sent from one specialist to another without gaining clarity on my condition. What avenues should I explore next? Which type of medical professional might offer further insight? I'm beginning to doubt my own experiences, pondering if I am merely being lazy or overly sensitive.