Indy Standard

• Studies have shown that sinusitis sufferers are 50% more likely to struggle with depression.
• Sinusitis can put a damper on your quality of life when you are struggling daily.
• Seeking treatment from a specialist can improve your life.

Dr. Anthony Sanders of Indianapolis Sinus Center discussed the link between chronic sinus issues and poor mental health in an interview with the Indy Standard.

"There have been studies, which have shown that people with chronic sinusitis are much more prone to depression than the general population without rhinosinusitis," Sanders said. "This may be just the fact that it's such a quality-of-life issue. People have a lot of symptoms, which tend to compromise their ability to concentrate, to sleep well, and they have less energy and quite a bit of fatigue associated with it. Those types of symptoms just lead to poor general health and well-being and function."

Physician's Weekly reported that those who suffer from chronic sinusitis could also be more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. A Korean study compared a group of 16,224 people who received treatment for chronic sinusitis with a group of 32,448 similar people who don't have sinus issues. None of the people involved had a history of depression or anxiety. During 11 years of followup, chronic sinusitis patients were more than 50% more likely to develop depression or anxiety.

According to Mayo Clinic, nasal and sinus problems, such as allergies and sinusitis, can lead to a loss of taste and smell, potentially causing the sufferer to experience a decreased appetite and poor nutrition. Sinusitis can also make sufferers more likely to experience depression. Some may use excessive amounts of salt or sugar in food to make the taste stronger, which can worsen conditions such as diabetes and high blood sugar. Fortunately, if the loss of taste and smell is due to a nasal issue, treating the infection will restore the senses.

Seeking treatment from an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor can help those struggling with depression related to sinus issues. Balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive treatment option, is offered by Indianapolis Sinus Center. The procedure is completed in-office and lasts about an hour. Preparation takes about 30 minutes and involves anesthetics being applied to the nose for additional comfort.

According to Healthline, a narrow instrument with a balloon attached at the end is guided through the sinus passageways. The balloon is gently inflated with saline for five seconds before being removed when the sinuses open. The recovery time is quick, with some patients capable of returning to work the following day.

To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.