Sinus Infections can be extremely frustrating and at times difficult to resolve. In 2012, I published a post titled “When a “Sinus Infection” is a Neck Problem.” To date that post has been viewed 70 thousand times and has 300 comments. Clearly, there are a lot of people suffering from and not getting their sinus infections resolved.
I created a document that helps figure out the possible cause of sinus problems. You can download the PDF HERE.
One reason sinus problems can be so difficult to fix is that there are many different causes. Today I’m going to write about another very common, but often overlooked, cause of sinus problems. For fun I will share with you a story of a patient who was suffering from sinus problems that turned out to be caused by trouble in her intestines.
As you can see by the video this article could have been called “When a Migraine is an Intestinal Problem” or “When Acne is an Intestinal Problem” or “When Fatigue is an Intestinal Problem” or “When PMS is an Intestinal Problem.” So many conditions can be caused by an unhealthy gut!
Everything in the body is interconnected. Often the mistake doctors make is not looking at the big picture. Sometimes the symptoms a patient has is not obviously connected to the cause of the symptom. A Functional Medicine Approach looks beyond the initial assumptions often connected to a symptom to find the root source for the problem.
Sinus problems can be difficult to resolve because the reason for the problem may not be in the sinus. If the patient in the video had had a CAT scan it would have been normal. I often hear from my patients that their doctor did “all the tests” and they came back normal. I hope this story helps you understand not only how a “Sinus Infection” can be caused by an intestinal problem, but how a symptom is often caused by something not directly connected to the symptom.
Like always I have the comment section open. I enjoy hearing from and interacting with you. So please leave your questions and comments!
It really help me I want to get better am so uncomfortable with this minus some time I have stif neck I have to clair my throat so often I being to so much doctor and I can feel better I may feel good for a week and next I get back sick my ears hurt my throat my sinus drain down the back of my throat I can’t take thin feeling
Thank you iv been taking pro biotic and vitamin d I have chronic sinus since taking the above my sinus prob is much better and nearly gone it seems to be moving to my throat but much better thank you I’m in Scotland so can’t visit you I had this problem for years without any relief doctor prescribed sprays but never helped Bye and thank you
I have been suffering from runny, dripping nose specially in the morning since childhood. I am around 49 now and my present condition is ..nose becomes dry and again sneezing and dripping. Atleast two times a year i experience pain inside and outside round the nose small blisters (acne like). Regarding the stomach activity…i must say my digestive system becomes poor, all of a sudden i experience acidity , bowel movement is also slow. when i start washing my anus i find bowel coming in small amount. so this is my story sir.Hope you’ll help me proving your valuable information.Will you suggest any test etc?
Before I can determine what kind of testing you need I need your full history and any medical records. Please fill out the functional medicine form: https://form.jotform.com/62988256034161 and attach the lab work that has been done. Once I go over everything we can meet over the phone/internet and talk about what you need. http://darrellkilcupdc.com/work-with-me/
Hello thank you for your e mail all you have said above is true I had a scan and it cane back normal I have started on viaman A and D this morning and up to now I haven used my nasal spray .I had phlegm running down back of throat and nose was allways seemed blocked on one nostrel but I can’t believe it I feel as if it’s working my nose seems fine and only a small amount of phlegm I ll continue taking the vitamins . I had this for years been on all kinds of sprays and antihestamines didn’t seem to help thank you ps I haven’t coughed at all to night bye helen from scotland
Hi Darrell – another very informative blog. Interestingly, I am four weeks into a bad sinus attack and have had to succum to antibiotics only because I am going on holiday in two weeks and I have a bad time with my ears. Interesting that again Vit d comes into play as I was told last year my levels were low. There seems to be a link going on here that most allopathic doctors don’t investigate. Thanks again for the info. Just wish I lived near your practice. Sue
Hi Again Darrell – just wondering if you have come across anyone that has a one-sided sinus congestion problem? My ENT doctor says you could get a bus up my sinuses but I am still congested 24/7 on the right side. I have even thought it was a tooth abscess problem, but having that tooth out has not resolved the ongoing problem. Hope you can help? thanks Sue
I wish I lived near your practice. I’ve been going back and forth to ENT and chiropractors but still no resolution . I love your articles and blogs .
I would like to say that you are absolutely right I broke my neck in 01 and ever since nothing but problems with my sinus it’s terrible.
This confirms my suspicions about my having this problem. I’ve told doctors I thought that might be the problem and they ignore it. I’ve been dealing with it about 3 years. Thanks
Hello Dr. I have been having dizzy spells and feeling like swaying in boat since many days and was told by the dr to take antibiotics because it could be vertigo or migraine from sinus. However I have stiff neck and back from two days along with the dizziness and pain in my temples. Also have little tingling in my left palm and discomfort in the arm. Could this all be connected. This is 4th sinus infection in last one year. I also had blurry vision which subsided after I started antibiotics
Hi Nidhz,
It could be connected or it could be 2 or 3 problems.
This made for very interesting reading as I am suffering quite bad sinusitis.am generally feeling nauseated. And in the last two years or so whilst having this problem have also developed migraines which i dont normally suffer from.my GP just gave me a nasal spray and told me to use a bowl ofa almost boiling water and inhale the steam to relieve symptoms. It only gives relief for a short time. After reading this article I am convinced there is absolute truth in what the dr is saying. But I know have to convince my gp and this won’t be easy or why havnt anyone investigated this theory instead of prescribing useless medication
I have been recently diagnosed as suffering from migraine syndrome after presenting with numbness in face and head on left side. First I was told it was MS after a lesion was shown on my MRI, but later told it was migraine causing the numbness. Head is still partly numb and now headaches have taken over. I thought my long time sinus issues caused my headaches (still feels like them to me), but apparently it’s a combo. I also have tingling in left thumb and sometimes forearm, a very sore neck and suffer from acid reflux . Your video above has intrigued me as I’m into week 6 with sore head and headaches.
I believe I have SIBO. I have Hashimoto, IBS, Fibro, Psoriatic arthritis, very low Vit D, Psorasis and LPR. The LPR can make my sinuses inflammed. But it is ongoing for a few months now. It gets better, comes back. Sinus is clear drainage. The pressure is on and off in my sinus tract. My ear blocks on the right and gets sore. My eyes itch so bad and burn, my nose burns inside sometimes. I am going to an allergist. But I still think this is coming from my gut . I don’t know where to turn to anymore. I also have anxiety and mild depression from all this. I do have panic attacks but seem to have them under control.
I think I have an undetected sinus problem yet doctor refuses to send me to an ENT as I have acid reflux which can cause symptoms.
I have had yucky phlegm from waking up in the morning, blocked nose, eye pain, teeth pain (a root canal filling is to be done shortly). I haven’t had a bowel movement in 6 days, I take senna tablets and laxido but no luck. I don’t FEEL constipated but worry that I haven’t been for a number two in a week, my IBS tends to build up from my ongoing anxiety. I feel I am sick to death of worrying of new symptoms like this post nasal drip/sinus problem. I have a lump feeling in my throat had for the last few weeks. I have tried inhaling steam, nose sprays but nothing works. I just want to feel better. I want to wake up and ‘feel well’ not have any phlegm or acid reflux!! I am trying to loose weight by eating healthier but that is easier said than done. Sigh.
S it possible to irrigate blocked sinusitus using shampoo and probiotic therapy.
Help please
I have been suffering with sinus and mild diverticulitis. I have been to many doctors which now includes psychological reports. Natural remedies and changes of diet. I used to be a professional boxer and I have now engaged in training twice a day to lose weight and improve my digestion. This strategy seems to help. I am also developing skin cancer and itching of the back. The things that I have tried probiotics and some prebiotic food. I have had 3 colonoscopy’s , 2 CT dye scans, Ultrasound of kidney’s, prostate etc. Other supplements B3, Curcumin, Coloxyl, Iberogast, solvable fibre and various vegetable juices. It has almost drove me insane as I am on the toilet at least 8 times a day going from constipatiion to the runs. I have stopped working to relieve stress and I am desperate to find someone who can put a plan together or at least give me an accurate diagnosis?
Gastro issues(chronic constipation) was my very 1st issue then my nose went from running to slightly stuffy just on 1 side(deviated septum but won’t find out till years later),thought he fixed my breathing&did a bad cosmetic job,my nose seemed more stuffy after the surgery but he told me 2 use afrin&basically go away,over the years both got worse,my stomach started feeling so bloated like I was pregnant looking,my stuffy nose went to sinus(this was years ago),I use to complain to my doctor about always being cold,fatigue&constipated he would tell me natural things to do eventually I dropped it because my sinus issues became like unbearable,couldn’t breathe was breathing through my mouth,headaches got worse,saw an ent&explained my nose was so dry,couldn’t blow my nose,my mucus was like glue couldn’t get anything out,that was maybe 2015 told me I had a deviated septum,2016 my sinus was completely blocked that I couldn’t sleep woke up multiple times from lack of oxygen,had surgery to fix it,except it was to fix my septum it never actually fixed my issue I was complaining about,I thought the surgery was a bust&needed another 1,my brain got affected from lack of oxygen I’m guessing that’s what it was my short term memory,concentration,confusion,I felt brain dead,could still talk,text but problem solving lol no,I recently ended up getting a sinus infection(3,4weeks),I felt like my sinus was draining in back my throat,had night sweats every night,stomach cramping&upset,then bad sinus headache&pressure,1 sided headaches almost daily,I waited 3 weeks for the ent appt(started an antiviral med few days be4 I saw her)course 2days be4 sinus infection was gone unless it wasn’t an actual infection&just the pressure&headaches?,got a ct scan done that showed nothing,I’m still constipated real bad but the other stuff seems to be helped with antiviral meds,of course docs think I’m crazy that it’s helping my sinus issue,head pressure,headache,breathing&heart, stomach is really bad constipated worse than ever atm(trying to see a 4th doc about it,actual gastro this time)but no more cramps&upset,every time they lower my anti viral meds my sinus gets worse I was about to see about going to an infectious disease doctor even,I was finally able to start blowing my nose after years(lasted few days)when they lowered my dose then the pressure&headache,heart issues came back so I upped it but I’m out in 2days trying to get more they are acting like I’m wanting morphine which also I had a long history of opiate use when younger&still take low dose suboxone,i’m not 100% sure what is wrong with me only I really can’t go to the bathroom rn(I wasn’t eating or drinking fluids really w the sinus stuff now I feel so full I feel I can’t really eat because I can’t go&my stomach will get worse,I thought maybe even I could be impacted a lil or have a partial blockage from many years of not really going or maybe severely constipated but I can’t remember ever having an empty feeling after going if I did it was so many years ago I can’t remember) all I know is my stomach needs a gastro doc real soon&i need more antiviral meds for my sinus&all that other stuff but I’m kinda hoping now it is all my stomach&if my stomach gets fixed I don’t have to beg for antiviral meds&Drs acting like it’s crack&i’m crazy&don’t need it
Lol i’m wanting to tell my 1 doc,you know Dr. Kilcup said it’s possible my gastro issues&sinus issues are related can we maybe figure that out cas i’ve pretty much been in my house on my couch since 2016 would really like to get back to the gym before 2019 is over&stop having to see doctors
I have allergies and chronic fatigue. I take care of my gut as far as I know but it won’t go away. I eat lots of veggies n low meat or saturated fat. Lots of probiotics n some prebiotics. Some vitamins n minerals supplements plus fish oil. I don’t know what else to do. Seems I’m eating the perfect diet n yet I’m still have issues all the time. Can u help please???!
Could a post nasal drip have to do with your gut,I’m not talking about a regular post nasa drip,this is really bad,in the morning I could fill a gallon with mucus and it continues all day long, just not as bad as in the mornings.This is really getting frustrating.Its been going on for 3 years, can somebody help me please,I’ve tried everything and nothing works
Iam having sinuis infection and bowl infection Doctor are not helping
I am very frustrated for about the last six months I have been getting one sinus infection after another. Over the winter months we were burning a wood stove it was very hot and we neglected to put a tray of water out my sinuses were so dry and painful I feel I did major damage and thus the infections 4 days of antibiotics and infection under control five days after antibiotics finish infection back could this be more than an infection do I need a long term antibiotic
What type of diet should you follow if you see the that your findings diagnose me lol
Have been diagnosed with gastritis
I have suffered from reoccuring sinus infections for around 5 years now, every sinus CT came up normal, sinus surgery in 2015, and tonsillectomy October of 2019. Thinking it was always “just a blockage”. A lot of times doctors chalked it up to either my anxiety or just something “viral”. I’m constantly nauseous, either diarrhea or constipated, ALWAYS fatigued and of course the reoccuring sinus infections. I never really thought of the two connecting until I realized suffering with all these stomach issues isn’t normal or JUST my anxiety. I had to drop out of public high school and do online school back in 2015. I’ve been through now TWO surgeries that I feel as though doctors just did, but I’m still always so inflamed. My tonsils were always so swollen, so that is why they were removed. I’ve seen an infectious disease doctor and tested for every infectious disease possible. And constantly all I have heard from doctors is, everything negative and oh the test came back normal. Usually that would be good news for people. But for me, I just want answers on why I’m always so miserable and why it seems like I never can eat anything because of my stomach. As a child, my family and I would go out to eat and as soon as the food came, I wouldn’t eat (my father thought it was me just being a kid) but in all reality, I still am that way today. I have read many articles on sinus symptoms + GI issues. And I was recently asked what do I eat the most of? And if THAT could be causing an issue? And all I could think is gluten and dairy. Now there has been many cases where when people went gluten-free cleared there issues of sinus symptoms. I finally feel as though I am getting closer to an answer.
A QUICK PS
My mother and I were reading about food intolerances and food sensitivities, and how the IgG antibodies are fully functional, and we both remember years and years ago I had blood drawn at the pediatrician (still suffering from all the sinus sxs, but not as severe as now) and my IgG levels were low.
What would be your recommendation? Plus do you think this could be celiac disease?
i am 48yrs. i suffer stomach problems since my childhood and sinus at teenage. I noticed that the sinus problem is directly related with my stomach issues. So whenever I get stomach problem like bloating persistently,indigestion, burning sensation etc.., my sinus headache starts. Pls help!
I have undiagnosed stomach pain for over 5 years, and I have sinus problems.
Now out of work due to being constantly poorly
I’m female age 42
Hi . That video is actually what o have been dealing with for 25 years . Do you have an office in Tanpa fla ?
Hi, i have been yrs suffering of gastiritis and then ibs started,,, and now for a year sinus infection ongoing.. i produce green mucus all the time. I did mri for sinus, brain, neck… it just shows that there is so much mucus in sinus… i did gi map test it showed inflimation and some bacterias are higher and others are lower than normal… started taking betain hcl , probiotics and prebiotics… i did sibo test was negative… i need help to cure my sinus. I am sure its from my intestines cz some foods makes it worse. I did food intolerance and i did elimination diet but still sinus is a continous problem… it started after o got gastirtis and ibs…
I’m 85 years old I’ve had sinusitis last 10 years pressure discomfort and poor balance , discomfort with acid reflex
Hi: I’ve been battling with these issues and a few more. I’ve been to so many Doctors and get the same answers. My story very similar to your patient in the video. My question is, how does one find a Doctor like yourself in Utah. I feel like It’s up to me to fix this on my own. Thanks for your article and video.
Very good video I been suffering for a long time but no dr to go to , been out of work
Dr.kilcup, thank you for clearing my doubt. Although,I am not a medical person , still I could feel the same two three years back. At that time and even today I have been suffering from sinus like problem. Every morning I get up from bed and start sneezing continuously and watery substance start pouring from nostrils for about an hour. After that I didnot feel any complication a few years back, but as I am 53 now I am experiencing a blocking nostril right or left.And specially from the evening I start to feel like caught hold completely by cold as both my nose become closed. My voice gains a nasal tone. I used to sing nicely but this year I feel difficulty in singing as I cannot put my voice in perfect note. So, this is my case sur. I live far from you here in India…still hope you will certainly help me with your valuable advice com guidance.
Thank you.
Good morning from the UK. I have listened with interest to your video and found it intriguing. I have suffered from sinus infection all my life and I know that I have a leaky gut as l-glutamine is helping. I have just had an operation and my leaky gut is chronic at present. I am using l-glutamine and pre-probiotics. I will be asking my doctor for the tests you ask for. Thank you so much.
I’ve been working with a functional doctor for several years but I’m not getting any better. I have leaky gut which causes sinus infection. My digestion is very slow because I started using laxatives before I knew getter. Eventually the laxative stops working and I have to find something else. My doctor is at a lose for what to do next. I’ve had all of the tests you mentioned in the video. He’s tried increasing my hydrochloric acid, getting rid of Candida, fighting heavy metals, exercising the vegas nerve, supplementing liver function, etc. I’m becoming despondent as I currently suffer with a terrible sinus infection. Can you help me with my very slow gut that’s had years of laxative damage?
Thank you so much for this. This makes my life make so much sense now. I have been plagued by gastritis and sinus infections for 4 years. I went to a gastroenterologist, but they just put me on a restricted diet to help. It helps prevent gastritis, but not when I get a sinus infection. I got a staph infection from an broken ankle surgery 4 years ago, but it was not discovered until 3 months later. My entire body is covered in acne scars and I still get them. I went on 6 weeks of daily 2 grams vancomycin IV and 2 months of 2 antibiotics. Staff was gone after that, but I always get sick. I am also wondering if the bad sinus infections I get could be the source of my upset stomach throwing up and diarrhea since when they starts I always have a bad sinus infection first. I was told by a doctor that since I do not have a gallbladder I would have more stomach issues because the gallbladder helps purify stuff.