Drugs.com states that side effects of taking fish oil supplements include rhinitis and sinusitis. Rhinitis and sinusitis have similar symptoms, such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sinus headaches, constant sneezing and a reduction in taste and smell. If you experience any adverse reactions while taking fish oil supplements, talk with a doctor to determine the cause and the safety of continuing with the supplements. If you experience severe pain or common allergic reactions, such as a drop in blood pressure or dizziness, while taking fish oil supplements, discontinue use and talk with your doctor.
Nasal Congestion
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, nasal congestion is caused by increased blood flow to the sinus cavity, leading to inflammation and swelling. The swollen sinus cavity causes the nasal passages to become blocked, restricting your ability to breathe through the nose. MayoClinic.com states that a stuffy nose is a common symptom of nonallergic rhinitis, which is considered a side effect of fish oil. Nasal congestion is commonly treated with over-the-counter decongestants. Decongestants restrict excessive blood from flowing into the sinuses, causing them to return to their natural size.
Sinus Pressure
Nasal congestion leads to sinus pressure. The inflammation in the sinus cavity causes pressure to build throughout the head, leading to pain in the eyes, teeth and cheekbones. As pressure builds, you may experience mild to severe pain in various places throughout the head. A sinus headache is a dull, throbbing pain in the center of the head that is worse when you first wake up and progressively improves throughout the day, according to MayoClinic.com. Sinus pressure is treated with decongestants, nasal washes and steam. Nasal washes use saline solutions to cleanse and moisten the nasal passages by irrigating the sinuses. Steam can also be used to soothe inflammation in the sinus cavity.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is a common condition associated with rhinitis and sinusitis. Postnasal drip occurs when increased mucus secretions lead to constant dripping in the back of the throat. If the sinuses are blocking the nostrils from naturally discharging mucus, the only other place for mucus is drain is in the back of the throat. Postnasal drip can lead to cough, stomach discomfort and throat irritation.
Member Comments