Dear Doc,
I suspect my sinusitis problems have resulted in mild vertigo, sporadic anxiety, mild depression and general claustrophobia such as fear of flying, public elevators, basement parkings and too many people in close proximity (for example at big sporting events where one has to move in groups). I also have spells of dissiness and experience difficulty standing upright where one has to queue or stand (Banks, grocery store, post office, church, etc.) No problems with blood pressure or blood sugar levels though.



I am a 44 year old male, 1.92m in length and weight 110kg. I have stopped smoking 5 years ago, have balanced eating habits and do not use alcohol irresponsibly. I am a professional consultant and work mostly in an office environment. I am not aware of any serious medical condition.



I have been a sinus sufferer since the age of 20 and had a sinus operation about 17 years ago (relief lasted approx. 2 years).



I had a typical "collapse of the system" (sore throat, blocked nasal passages, nausea, painful forehead nose and cheek area) about a week ago. My visit to the Dr. resulted in the usual treatment. 2000mg of antibiotics per day (5 day course), nasal decongestant spray and mucus expellant in tablet form (same treatment as all the other 20 times before this visit).



During these treatments my anxiety level increases as for some reason I experience a tightening of the neck area and chest resulting in a perceived lack of oxygen intake and associated feeling of anxiety.(nose and throat airways are however clear) No wheesing sound from the chest either. I am not allergic to penicillan.



At night I do not want to switch the lights off and if I try to sleep, I awake with a jolt with a feeling that my throat is closing, with associated feeling of anxiety and increased heart rate. I usually have to get out of bed, walk around and calm myself by controlled breathing, once ended up in the garden at 2am in the morning in the middle of the winter, as I could not stand being inhouse as I perceived it as having not enough oxygen.



In order to escape the above and to get some sleep, I have tried sleeping pills, antihistamine, muscle relaxants, exercise, alcohol, etc. but to no great affect. The condition dissipates somewhat during the working day.



I suspect I am not alone in this situation. My underlying fear is that it will become worse as time goes on, it already impacts negatively on my physical and mental abilities, which in turn has a negative affect on my quality of life. There is also more frequent bouts of depression (but could be mid life changes).



I am also hesitant to climb stairs as the expected shortness of breath becomes a potential panic attack situation (keep in mind stairs are usually indoors and my perception that there is a low level of oxygen (yes I know it is irrational).



Is it possible that sinusitus can result in all or some of these mentioned problems or should I accept that some symptoms might be "mind over matter" and search wider for the root cause?



Thank you.