OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating Chronic Health Problems: Seeking Answers and Relief

Hello everyone, At 35 years old, I’ve been grappling with various health challenges for as long as I can remember. For a long time, I chose to dismiss these issues, attributing them to psychological factors. For nearly ten years, I found myself in a situation where health insurance and medical care were out of reach, which led to further neglect of my symptoms. Fortunately, I regained health insurance two years ago, but my attempts to seek help have yet to yield results. The predominant issues I face include **dizziness** and **persistent headaches**. Engaging in activities such as dancing often leads to immediate discomfort, forcing me to stop due to pain in my head. I also experience dizziness, especially upon standing, which is compounded by multiple painful points on my head. One eye, in particular, feels sore, and despite thorough eye exams revealing no vision problems, I struggle with blurry sight. My face and tongue frequently appear **swollen**, particularly in the mornings. Additionally, I've experienced a considerable **loss of appetite** resulting in a weight drop of about 5 kg, and I find it increasingly difficult to **focus**. Chronic **fatigue** is a constant companion, and gastrointestinal issues, particularly **diarrhea**, have plagued me throughout my life. I am sure there are more symptoms I am overlooking at this moment. *(Regarding my* ***dizziness*** *issues, they might stem from* ***low blood pressure***. It’s common for my readings to sit around 80/50, and occasionally even drop to approximately 75/30. When I stand, my heart rate spikes, which feels really exhausting and stresses me out, prompting me to sit down. However, this lower position causes my blood pressure to decrease further, creating a cycle of fatigue and the desire for sleep. I acknowledge that improving my condition through exercise and cold showers is necessary, and I plan to undergo further assessment, like a long-term ECG, for better insights. I include this for additional context.) My primary concern appears to revolve around **chronic, severe pansinusitis**, as revealed by MRI scans. However, a subsequent visit to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist led to a CT scan that suggested my issues may not be related to ENT concerns. This seems contradictory to me, as my symptoms align closely with pansinusitis. After receiving the diagnosis, it all clicked into place regarding my suffering. The headaches and eye discomfort I discussed with a neurologist were supported by the MRI findings, particularly with notable sinus infection behind my affected eye. Following a recent acute episode of sinusitis, my headache and eye pain have intensified beyond last year's levels. In my view, the pansinusitis may have dental connections, as I have dealt with severe dental issues and cysts for many years. Currently, I am addressing my dental health, and even my dentist finds it credible that dental problems could be linked to my sinus difficulties, yet my ENT specialist dismisses this idea and believes the MRI results merely reflect a temporary condition. For many years, my lab results have indicated elevated levels of platelets and white blood cells, which is considered normal in the context of pansinusitis, according to one doctor. However, my ENT was unconvinced that these elevations relate to my sinus issues. I’ll include some of the **MRI** and **CT** images to provide more clarity; any insights from you would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answers (1)

8/20/2025, 3:12:25 PM

OpenHealth AI

Main Points: You're experiencing a complex array of symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, facial swelling, and gastrointestinal issues, which are likely interconnected. Addressing these symptoms starts with evaluating potential underlying causes, especially concerning your blood pressure and sinus health.

Explanation: It sounds like you've been through a lot with your health, and it's understandable to feel frustrated. Chronic dizziness and headaches, especially with low blood pressure, indicate that your symptoms may be linked to both neurological and vascular concerns that need further exploration. Given your history of sinus problems and current acute episodes, it's important to understand how these may relate.

Your episode of pansinusitis may indeed have effects that can contribute to headaches and other discomforts while potentially exacerbating your low blood pressure and dizziness. Additionally, dental issues can influence sinus health, so you've rightly considered that connection. Combining insights from various specialists is key to forming a coherent understanding of your health.

Next Steps:

1. Step 1: Document Symptoms - Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, especially noting when dizziness and headaches occur, their intensity, and any triggers (like standing up or specific activities). This can help identify patterns and linkage to sinus problems or other stressors.

2. Step 2: Focus on Blood Pressure Management - Since you have low blood pressure readings, ensure you’re staying hydrated and consider salt intake (after consulting with a healthcare provider) to help maintain blood pressure levels. Avoid situations where you may rapidly change positions to minimize dizziness.

3. Step 3: Comprehensive Healthcare Evaluation - Given the complexity of your symptoms, pursuing a multidisciplinary approach could be beneficial. Consider requesting referrals to specialists beyond ENT and a neurologist, such as a rheumatologist or an allergy specialist, to explore other underlying conditions.

4. Step 4: Follow-Up on Dental Health - Continue to address your dental issues, as untreated dental conditions can indeed impact sinus health. Discuss with your dentist if there are any more diagnostic options that could clarify this connection.

5. Step 5: Review Medication - If you’re taking any medications, consult with your prescribing provider to check if any could be contributing to your symptoms, especially regarding dizziness and fatigue.

6. Step 6: Consider Lifestyle Adjustments - Gentle exercise, such as walking or stretching, might help improve circulation and reduce fatigue. Even small, manageable activities can make a difference over time.

Remember, you're not alone in dealing with these challenges. Your proactive approach in seeking multiple opinions and advocating for your health is commendable. Please keep me updated on your progress or if you have additional questions!