A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, can make you feel tired. Fatigue is a frequent complaint among individuals dealing with sinus infections. The body’s response to the infection significantly contributes to this feeling of being drained.
Why Sinus Infections Cause Fatigue
When a sinus infection occurs, your body’s immune system activates to fight off invading germs. This immune response requires substantial energy, leaving you fatigued. The body redirects resources to battle the infection, decreasing overall energy levels.
Inflammation is a key factor in sinus infections, as the tissues lining the sinuses become swollen. As your body manages this inflammation, chemicals called cytokines are released. These cytokines cause feelings of malaise and tiredness as part of the body’s natural defense. Nasal congestion and discomfort from facial pain or pressure can also disrupt sleep quality, contributing to daytime drowsiness. The constant effort to breathe through blocked nasal passages can also reduce oxygen flow, making you feel sluggish.
Recognizing a Sinus Infection
Fatigue often appears alongside other common symptoms that help identify a sinus infection. A primary indicator is pain, swelling, and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead, which may worsen when bending over. Nasal congestion and a runny nose are also common, often accompanied by thick, discolored mucus.
Other signs include a reduced sense of smell or taste, a cough, and post-nasal drip, where mucus drains down the back of the throat, causing irritation. Some individuals may also experience a sore throat, bad breath, toothache, ear pain, or a low-grade fever. These symptoms, particularly when they persist, can help distinguish a sinus infection from a common cold.
When to Seek Medical Care
While many sinus infections resolve on their own, seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. See a doctor if your symptoms, such as nasal congestion, headache, and facial pain, last for more than 10 to 12 days without improvement. Also seek care if symptoms initially improve but then worsen, or if you develop a high fever lasting more than three to four days.
If you experience severe pain, vision changes like double vision, swelling around the eyes, or a stiff neck, immediate medical care is needed. Recurrent sinus infections, occurring four or more times in a year, also require a visit to a healthcare provider to prevent potential complications.