A sinus infection can temporarily elevate your blood pressure. Sinus infections, or rhinosinusitis, cause inflammation and swelling in the air-filled cavities behind the cheeks, nose, and forehead. While the infection itself does not cause chronic high blood pressure, the combined effects of the body’s acute inflammatory response and certain relief medications can lead to a noticeable, short-lived increase in blood pressure readings.
The Body’s Inflammatory Response
When a bacterial or viral infection takes hold in the sinuses, the body initiates a systemic immune response. This widespread inflammatory reaction involves the release of chemical messengers called cytokines into the bloodstream. These cytokines can affect the function of blood vessels, potentially promoting vasoconstriction or fluid retention, which contribute to higher blood pressure.
The pain, pressure, and general discomfort associated with a severe sinus infection act as a significant physical stressor. This triggers the sympathetic nervous system, often called the “fight or flight” response. The activation of this system causes a surge of stress hormones, particularly adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol, to be released into circulation.
Adrenaline and cortisol prepare the body for a perceived threat by causing blood vessels to narrow, a process known as vasoconstriction, and by increasing the heart rate. These physiological changes directly result in a temporary elevation of blood pressure. Once the infection is cleared and the associated pain subsides, the stress response lessens, and blood pressure returns to its normal baseline level.
How Common Sinus Medications Affect Blood Pressure
While the infection itself can cause an increase, the most common cause of elevated blood pressure during a sinus infection often comes from the medications people take to manage their symptoms. Many popular over-the-counter sinus and cold remedies contain ingredients that directly interfere with the cardiovascular system.
Decongestants are a primary concern, as they belong to a class of drugs called sympathomimetics, which mimic the effects of adrenaline. Ingredients like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine work by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors found in the smooth muscle lining of blood vessel walls. This stimulation causes the blood vessels in the nasal passages to constrict, reducing swelling and relieving congestion.
However, this vasoconstriction is not limited to the nose; it occurs systemically. The resulting narrowing of blood vessels increases resistance to blood flow, raising systemic blood pressure and potentially increasing heart rate. For individuals with pre-existing hypertension, this effect can be pronounced and dangerous. Pseudoephedrine is well-absorbed orally and consistently raises blood pressure, while phenylephrine, though less effective as an oral decongestant, can still lead to increases.
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are often used for sinus pain and headache relief, and also carry a risk of blood pressure elevation. These drugs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing inflammation. However, these same enzymes play a crucial role in regulating kidney function and blood pressure homeostasis.
Inhibition of COX enzymes can interfere with the kidneys’ ability to manage fluid and sodium balance, leading to fluid and salt retention in the body. This excess fluid volume increases the total amount of blood the heart has to pump, thereby elevating blood pressure. Long-term or high-dose use of NSAIDs is associated with increased risk, particularly in patients who already have high blood pressure or are taking antihypertensive medications, as NSAIDs can make these medications less effective.
Managing Blood Pressure During Illness
Individuals with a history of hypertension must approach sinus infection treatment with caution. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure readings more frequently while ill, especially if experiencing significant pain or taking any new medications. Always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter sinus or cold remedy, as many common decongestants are unsafe for those with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
A safer approach focuses on relief methods that do not affect the cardiovascular system. Nasal saline rinses or sprays can mechanically flush out mucus and reduce localized swelling without systemic effects. Inhaling steam from a hot shower or a bowl of warm water helps to soothe irritated nasal passages and loosen congestion.
Acetaminophen is the preferred pain reliever for people with hypertension, as it does not carry the same fluid retention risks associated with NSAIDs. If blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels, such as 180/120 mm Hg or higher, or if an elevated reading is accompanied by severe symptoms like an unrelenting headache, chest pain, or shortness of breath, immediate medical attention is necessary.