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Sinus, tooth or anxiety? Please help!

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Posted 6/19/2014 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
This started yesterday afternoon when I took a nap for about an hour. I slept on my left side and when I got up the left side of my face from my nose to temple and around my eye hurt. My top back teeth hurt as well. It felt like my head was going to explode. I went to urgent care and they said it was sinus pressure. I finally took a Tylenol last night and layed on my right side. The pain disappeared and I went to sleep .

I woke up all night with anxiety and feeling like I can't get enough air. I don't know if I was hyperventilating but my head would feel tingly and I kept feeling nauseous. I wen to the er at 5 this morning and called out of work. The er said sinus and anxiety.
When I got home I noticed one of my teeth felt sensitive so I went to the dentist. She did a panoramic xray and said she didn't see any red flags so it was probably sinus. She was booking in my mouth and there was a little blood and a bad taste. She said it may be a small abscess in the gum pocket. I've been looking it up and most people don't even take antibiotics for that but I'm terrified she released this infection into my blood.

I'm still so anxious and slightly nauseous to where I don't want to eat. The pain is still gone but it feels like a little pressure is there. I also was already anxious yesterday because I had a few palpitations which scare me to death. I just need some advice or someone who can help me think rationally.
Posted 6/19/2014 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
I've been where you are. And am there now!!! I believe you have sinus pressure and your anxiety is turning it into something more. The urgent care, ER and dentist have diagnosed you with sinus pressure. Also if the dentist had any concern that an infection was released into your blood he or she would have taken action. Please try and relax and believe what the medical professionals have told you. I think you'll be fine.
Posted 6/19/2014 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, I'm trying to calm down. I asked her if I needed antibiotics and she said only if they give them to me for the sinuses. Its just so hard when my brain wants me to think I'm dying. Now I'm running to the bathroom. I just wish none of us had to deal with this.
Posted 6/19/2014 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
At least you have seen doctors to reassure you nothing serious is going on. Our minds our very powerful and dealing with anxiety doesn't help. I'm not a doctor but, have you tried some over the counter medicine for sinus headaches/ pressure. That may help. As for infection released in blood, doubtful my cardiologist told me since I have heart murmur and some other minor things that I do Not have to take anyibiotics for anything dental. I hope this helps.
Posted 6/19/2014 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
I am terrified now. I don't know how it can be sinus without the other symptoms. What if its a tooth that the xray didn't show or the gum infection spreading to my brain?! I'm so scared!
Posted 6/19/2014 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry you are so scared!

Take a deep breath. This is your anxiety. You do not die from anxiety. It feels really bad, but you have gotten through it before, and you will again!

While I am NOT a doctor, in my OPINION, the spread of tooth infection to brain isn't that easy. The brain is a wonderful organ that has a blood/brain barrier which keeps it safe, and white blood cells which keep infection at bay. The body is a evolutionary tough machine.

Check the links at the top of the forum. I find when I do that, distract myself, after a short while, my anxiety eases....

Hugs... Hope this helps a little bit...
Posted 6/20/2014 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi ryates,

I hope that you are feeling better today! I know how it is to have runaway thoughts and anxiety.:(

Try to remember that three medical professionals all had the same conclusion....that you are dealing with a sinus/congestion issue.

Following up with your doctor to see if treatment is neede would be a good idea if your discomfort continues...

...otherwise, try to let the worst case senario worries go, as there is nothing to indicate that anything is wrong.:)

S.C.
Posted 6/20/2014 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately I went to the er and they did a ct scan with contrast. My sinuses are perfect. He suspects a tooth but the dentist said she didn't see any "red flags". The er doc wants me to take the augmentin they gave me for sinuses. I took one last night and spent 2 hours thinking I was going to have anaphylaxis. You should have seen me when they were doing the contrast. She had never had someone so anxious and crying over it. So now I either suck it up and hope the antibiotics don't kill me or let the infection spread :(
Posted 6/21/2014 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
R.,

I am a little confused...if your sinuses looked perfect, why did they presribe an antibiotic?

Do you have any other indications of an infection? Fever?

I suppose I would follow along with the instructions given by the E.R. doc...

...but can you follow up with your PCP on Monday?

What is your current anxiety treatment regimine? Could it possibly use a review and some revision? How about your self help for now? Are you doing your coping skills? It will help bring your anxiety levels, worries and physical sympotms down.

Wishing you well!!

S.C.
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