What Causes Headache And Sinus Pain In A Diabetic Patient?

Posted on Thu, 8 Dec 2016

Question: I have extreme fatigue and when I was walking on the treadmill before last week my heart rate would go up to 120 or slightly more. It is staying at low 80's this week. Same workout and each day a different treadmill at Mountainside Fitness. I have worked out about 5 days a week all summer and it is always 30 minutes. I'am 70 and diabetic. I started a different blood pressure medicine because enalipril (taken for many year) raised my potassium way to high. Now on Bystolic 10 mg - 1 per day. I also take hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg 1 time per day. I have MGUS, diabetes, high blood pressure, high trigliserides. My cholesterol is controlled with a statin. I have had headaches for the last few weeks ---feeling like sinus pain. Where should I start for my search on what is going on.

Answered by Dr. Dholariya Sagar Jayantilal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need evaluation by ENT specialist.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear
Welcome to HCM and thanks for the query
I understand your concern and sorry to hear about your problem

Headache and felling like sinus pain are suggestive of the sinus infection (chronic sinusitis).
It could be due to bacterial infection, allergy.
It cause nasal congestion, pain, headache, general malaise/fatigue.

I would suggest to consult the ENT specialist and undergo routine blood tests like CBC, ESR, CRP & CT scan to rule out sinus problem.
Following treatment will helpful
Nasal spray containing decongestant and steroid
Tablet levocetrizine at the bed time
Antibiotic containing amoxicillin and clavulanate
Nasal irrigation
Drink plenty of lukewarm water
Hot fomentation

Consult the ENT specialist to share my view and take prescribed medicine.

Hope I have answered your query
If you have further query then I will be happy to help you
Best regards
Dr. Sagar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dholariya Sagar Jayantilal (38 hours later)

Yes, on the sinus issue. We are concerned about his heart rate not reacting to the workout. It has always risen to 120 to 130. It stayed at low 80's. Is there any heart risk or hidden issues that could cause this. We know his potassium is high all of a sudden so the doctor needed to change his blood pressure medicine. I just feel most concerned that his heart is at risk.

Answered by Dr. Dholariya Sagar Jayantilal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
As mentioned below

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
Thanks for the follow up
I understand your concern and sorry to hear the problem

Low heart rate could be due to the high potassium, bystolic drug.
Hypertension, diabetes are risk factors the heart problem.
I would suggest to consult your cardiologist and undergo ECG and TMT stress test to rule out the heart risk.

Hope I have answered your query
If you have further query then I will be happy to help you
Best regards
Dr. Sagar

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee