Doctors say studies have found a link between chronic sinus issues and increased risk for depression. | Pixabay
Doctors say studies have found a link between chronic sinus issues and increased risk for depression. | Pixabay
• Many people may not realize that chronic sinusitis can also affect their mental health.
• Studies have found that people who have chronic sinusitis are at an increased risk for depression and anxiety.
• Balloon sinuplasty is a quick, minimally invasive surgery that can treat chronic sinusitis.
Studies show that there is likely a correlation between depression and people suffering from chronic sinusitis.
According to a report by Physician's Weekly, a study compared 16,224 people who were treated for chronic sinusitis with 32,448 “similar people” without sinus issues. The study showed that over the folllowing 11 years, sinusitis sufferers were 50% more likely to have depression or anxiety.
Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers recently offered his insight on sinusitis and mental health, saying “There’s a very significant correlation, unfortunately.”
“There's a very good study out of the Cleveland Clinic that shows a direct link between, not only depression, but anxiety as well, in people with chronic sinusitis,” Hershcovitch told LA Harbor News. “Those who have developed chronic sinusitis are much more likely to develop depression and anxiety. This is because it is like a weight on top of you 24-7. You have headaches, you have congestion, you can't breathe, you can't sleep well at night. You have postnasal drip, you're constantly clearing your nose, you can't speak for long periods of time without having to blow your nose or clear your throat. This is very taxing to high-functioning individuals and can lead to mental problems that wouldn't otherwise occur. So treating the chronic sinusitis is important not only for quality of life, but mental health as well.”
Mayo Clinic says that chronic sinusitis symptoms can include nasal inflammation, a runny nose, postnasal drainage, congestion, pain or swelling of the face, headaches, loss of smell, loss of taste, a sore throat, bad breath and/or fatigue.
According to the Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center, balloon sinuplasty is a surgical treatment option that is quick, efficient and safe. The procedure only takes only 10 to 15 minutes, and patients recover in one to two days. Most patients can resume normal activities during that time, but some may have swelling for about week.
To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.
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