Palmetto State News

• 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. Andy Wells of Columbia Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says various studies have shown a direct correlation between sinusitis and depression. That's why it's important to seek help from a specialist, because with minimally invasive treatment options, you can improve your quality of life, and live in a more positive state of mind. 

"There's a study from 2020 that looked at depression rates in sinusitis patients, and they found that up to 25% -- a full one-fourth -- of sinusitis patients already carried a diagnosis of depression," Wells told Palmetto State News. "Even more surprising, the study concluded that another 40% on top of that would likely be diagnosed with depression if they were given a workup and an assessment. So that's a vast majority of patients who have sinusitis that are probably suffering from depression. We are intent on getting the word out so that we can treat these people and help them get their lives back on track."

Studies have found that people with chronic sinusitis could also be more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, according to Physician's Weekly. One study compared a group of 16,224 people who were treated for chronic sinusitis with a group of 32,448 "similar people" who did not have sinus problems. The study found that over the following 11 years, the sinusitis sufferers were more than 50% more likely to develop depression or anxiety.

Sinusitis can lead to loss of cognitive symptoms, and people who lose the ability to smell and taste frequently experience decreased appetite and poor nutrition, and they may be more likely to experience depression, according to Mayo Clinic. Some might use excess salt or sugar on food to try to make it taste stronger, which can cause problems with diabetes or high blood sugar. Fortunately, if the loss of taste and smell is due to a sinus infection or other nasal issue, treating the infection will restore the senses.

Seeking treatment from an ear, nose and throat doctor can help if you're struggling with depression caused from sinus issues. There are minimally invasive treatment options available, such as balloon sinuplasty, which is offered by Columbia Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers. The balloon sinuplasty procedure is completed in-office and only lasts about an hour. The preparation takes about 30 minutes and involves anesthetics being applied to the nose for more comfort.

A narrow instrument with a balloon is then guided through your sinuses, the balloon is gently inflated for five seconds with saline, and when your sinuses open, the balloon is removed. The recovery time is quick, and some patients are able to return to work the following day.

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