LA Harbor News

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and doctors at SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers are highlighting the evidence linking chronic sinusitis with increased risk for stroke.

A 2005 prospective cohort study published in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy concluded that both acute and chronic sinusitis are risk markers for stroke, and that they are completely separate from traditional markers for stroke.

Using data from the national cohort study from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, it has been determined that chronic sinusitis consistently increases the risk of stroke, regardless of demographic.

Further study and meta-analysis review from The Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases supports the facts: Chronic sinusitis is associated with higher risk of stroke.

“Patients are at significantly higher risk for stroke and cerebrovascular accidents when they have chronic sinusitis. This has been proven, without a doubt,” Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told LA Harbor News. “The reason for this is because there are many large blood vessels that run through and next to the sinus cavities, specifically the internal carotid artery, which provides most of your blood supply to your brain. These arteries run right on the sidewall of the sphenoid sinus, and when you have inflammation within the sinus cavity itself, it often actually translates to inflammation surrounding the blood vessels. And in the blood vessels themselves, this leads to narrowing and constricting of the blood vessels and thus poor flow to the brain This puts people at much higher risk of developing a stroke and having a stroke.” 

Acute or chronic sinusitis presents various symptoms, including inflammation of sinus, frontal sinus headache and runny nose to severe sinus headache, according to Healthline. Sinusitis is classified as "chronic" if the symptoms have lasted 12 weeks or longer. 

According to Merck Manual, sinusitis can be caused by viral upper respiratory infection or viruses like a cold, bacteria, fungus and allergies. It is more common if you have allergies, nasal polyps or exposure to pollutants or tobacco smoke.

Balloon sinuplasty is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis, according to Cleveland Clinic. This simple procedure can be done in an office setting without the need for anesthesia. Those who have chronic sinusitis and are at an elevated risk for stroke may be able to lower their chances slightly through the balloon sinusplasty treatment that will open up breathing ways, which allows for oxygen to be in the bloodstream and reduce the negative impact on the heart caused by the condition. 

To learn more or to take a sinus self-assessment quiz, visit SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.