Studies have found that people with chronic sinusitis could also be more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. | StockSnap/Pixabay
Studies have found that people with chronic sinusitis could also be more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. | StockSnap/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.
Physical symptoms of chronic sinusitis can include nasal inflammation, a runny nose, postnasal drainage, congestion, pain or swelling in the face, headaches, loss of smell and taste, a sore threat, bad breath or fatigue, according to Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers tells his patients that chronic sinusitis can cause fatigue and depression if left untreated.
"When patients are experiencing sinusitis, the pain aspect and probably more so the fatigue, energy levels are just low. I think that's definitely the fuel to add to that depression cycle, where your energy levels are down," Khanna told Montgomery News. "You just don't feel like doing anything. You just get into this malaise because fatigue is a very common symptom of chronic and acute sinusitis. It definitely affects your energy levels."
One surgical treatment option for chronic sinusitis sufferers is balloon sinuplasty. A balloon sinuplasty procedure takes only 10 to 15 minutes, and patients typically recover within one to two days. Most patients can resume their normal activities during that time period, although they may experience some swelling for up to a week, according to Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center.
To learn more about the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.
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