Sinus issues are one of the biggest medical complaints inMechanicsburg. Not only do they cause physical misery for 37 million Americansevery year; those who suffer have a higher chance of experiencing anxiety anddepression, according to a Korean study.
Chronic Sinusitis & Depression
Sinusitis occurs when the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. It is deemed chronic when symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in Mechanicsburg experience cold-like symptoms that include facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, headaches, postnasal drip, and loss of smell. Additional symptoms range from ear pain and sore throat to nausea and fatigue. Because of its unrelenting nature, people diagnosed with chronic sinusitis often experience a lower quality of life and have problems with physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning. A recent study of 16,224 patients in South Korea suggests that depression and anxiety are also common in chronic sinusitis sufferers.
The study looked at patients treated forchronic sinusitis between 2002 and 2013, alongside a comparison group of 32,448people of similar demographic who did not suffer from sinus issues. None of theparticipants had a history of depression or anxiety. Researchers discoveredthat the patients with chronic sinusitis were over 50 percent more likely todevelop depression or anxiety. Those with the worst symptoms were the most likelyto experience mental health problems.
Another subset of participants – 5,461 patients – were dealing with nasal polyps, noncancerous growths in the nasal cavity that cause breathing difficulty. Compared to those without sinus issues, individuals with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps were 41 percent more likely to suffer from depression and had a 45 percent higher chance of developing anxiety once their sinus issues were diagnosed. People suffering from both chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps were 61 percent more likely to experience depression and 63 percent more likely to suffer from anxiety, the study showed.
While the study doesn’t conclusively provethat chronic sinusitis causes anxiety and depression, it clearly warrantsconsideration in treating those with sinus issues. Dr. Edward McCoul, directorof rhinology and sinus surgery at Oschner Clinic in New Orleans, posits thatthis might be the result of inflammation causing the release ofneurotransmitters that affect brain function. Combined with genetics and otherfactors, this could cause psychiatric issues. “We don’t want to suggest . . .that if they don’t get their sinus infection treated then they’re going to gocrazy,” McCoul is quick to point out. Still, early diagnosis and treatment areimportant in helping to stave off psychiatric problems down the road.
Feeling Deflated? Balloons Might Help!
Your Mechanicsburg ear, nose and throat doctorbelieves a non-invasive surgical procedure called Balloon Sinuplasty is one ofthe best ways of treating chronic sinusitis symptoms for many people. Thesurgery involves insertion of a catheter through the nasal passages. A smallballoon is inflated in the nasal cavity, widening the passages and promotingfluid drainage. This helps clear up obstructions and leads to long-term relieffor a significant portion of sinusitis sufferers. While the procedure soundsuncomfortable, it is nothing compared to the long-term misery experienced bymany patients.
For more information on Balloon Sinuplasty, talk to your Mechanicsburg ENT doctor today.
