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Suggest Treatment For Sinus Infection And Gastroenteritis
Question: 4 Months ago I recovered from gastroenteritis and a cold that had lingered for 3 months.
After the symptoms resolved I was left with a permanent tinnitus (ringing) in both ears. The tinnitus has always been constant and will occasionally get louder if I have poor sleep or stress. An audiologist evaluated my hearing and found it was completely normal.
Recently I had a sinus infection that lasted 14 days, curiously during those 14 days my tinnitus had completely disappeared. Once the infect resolved itself the tinnitus immediately returned.
I am curious as to what this may suggest about the nature or cause of my tinnitus and the possibility it has something to do with my sinuses.
I will also point out that I have seen an ENT for breathing issues and been diagnosed with a deviated septum.
After the symptoms resolved I was left with a permanent tinnitus (ringing) in both ears. The tinnitus has always been constant and will occasionally get louder if I have poor sleep or stress. An audiologist evaluated my hearing and found it was completely normal.
Recently I had a sinus infection that lasted 14 days, curiously during those 14 days my tinnitus had completely disappeared. Once the infect resolved itself the tinnitus immediately returned.
I am curious as to what this may suggest about the nature or cause of my tinnitus and the possibility it has something to do with my sinuses.
I will also point out that I have seen an ENT for breathing issues and been diagnosed with a deviated septum.
Brief Answer:
Seems to be eusthacian tube dysfunction- cause of tinnitus.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having deviated nasal septum.
Tinnitus or ringing in ears occurs commonly due to middle ear effusion secondary to Eusthacian tube dysfunction ( tube connecting the middle ear and nose, which maintains the middle ear pressures for normal functioning of ear (hearing) ), which is involved by allergic rhinitis or sinusitis or Adenoiditis or viral cold.
In your case, long standing persistent ETD ( eusthacian tube dysfunction) might be relieved with medications of your present sinus infection. Try the treatment prescribed for sinus and see if you get better.
Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Seems to be eusthacian tube dysfunction- cause of tinnitus.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having deviated nasal septum.
Tinnitus or ringing in ears occurs commonly due to middle ear effusion secondary to Eusthacian tube dysfunction ( tube connecting the middle ear and nose, which maintains the middle ear pressures for normal functioning of ear (hearing) ), which is involved by allergic rhinitis or sinusitis or Adenoiditis or viral cold.
In your case, long standing persistent ETD ( eusthacian tube dysfunction) might be relieved with medications of your present sinus infection. Try the treatment prescribed for sinus and see if you get better.
Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Hi Dr. Siddiqh,
Thank you for your prompt response. During the sinus infect I was not taking any medication as I decided to allow it to resolve itself naturally. Which is why I am surprised the tinnitus went away during that period.
I have no doubt it is likely related as you said to eustachian tube or similar.
Regrettably though I have used many sinus treatments (some effective some not), none have had any impact on the tinnitus.
I am on a waiting list to have the deviated septum and related issues operated on, hopefully when this problem is corrected the rest of the symptons will also resolve.
Thank you for your prompt response. During the sinus infect I was not taking any medication as I decided to allow it to resolve itself naturally. Which is why I am surprised the tinnitus went away during that period.
I have no doubt it is likely related as you said to eustachian tube or similar.
Regrettably though I have used many sinus treatments (some effective some not), none have had any impact on the tinnitus.
I am on a waiting list to have the deviated septum and related issues operated on, hopefully when this problem is corrected the rest of the symptons will also resolve.
Brief Answer:
Needs septoplasty
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.
Deviated septum complicating recurrent sinus infections and ear symptoms ( ear discharge or tinnitus) needs to be corrected.
In your case, might be some hidden aetiology ( air conditioner, pollen, dust, passive/ active smoking or chronic wheeze) were causing the tinnitus, which were resolved on their own. Any way, you are fortunate that, you are free of symptoms now.
Take care.
Needs septoplasty
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.
Deviated septum complicating recurrent sinus infections and ear symptoms ( ear discharge or tinnitus) needs to be corrected.
In your case, might be some hidden aetiology ( air conditioner, pollen, dust, passive/ active smoking or chronic wheeze) were causing the tinnitus, which were resolved on their own. Any way, you are fortunate that, you are free of symptoms now.
Take care.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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