Grand Canyon Times

Controlled breathing has been proven to help many people with relaxation, but for the thousands who suffer with chronic sinusitis, accomplishing this may be a bit more difficult.

A study from the National Institutes of Health has shown that controlled breathing can help lower stress, relax muscles and improve mood, as it affects respiratory muscle activity, ventilation efficiency and heart rate variability.

According to Mayo Clinic, chronic sinusitis can make it difficult for people to breathe normally and reduce their ability to perform controlled breathing exercises and enjoy the benefits the exercises provide. 

“Sinusitis, by definition, is inflammation of the sinuses. This is important to note (because) as inflammation of the sinuses becomes chronic, it makes it more challenging for the sinuses to function optimally," Diana Ruiloba, a physician assistant at Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, told NW Valley Times. "Over time, chronic sinusitis can lead to a lack of functionality, which leads to persistent symptoms of nasal obstruction, facial pressure/pain and posterior nasal drainage. These persistent symptoms then begin to affect the quality of life."

The National Institutes of Health study also found that controlled breathing and slow breathing techniques can potentially optimize a person's physiological variables associated with health and longevity.

"Sinusitis can impact quality of life in many ways. It can impact life from a sleep standpoint. If you are not breathing well, you are not sleeping well; if you are not sleeping well, you are not able to perform daily tasks to your best potential," Ruiloba said. 

A report by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) said that along with the cardiovascular benefits associated with slowed or controlled breathing, a person can also use these techniques to optimize the body's ability to handle and manage pain. 

While thousands of people suffer with undiagnosed chronic sinusitis, often confusing it with everyday allergies, taking the quiz from Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers can help determine if seeing a sinus specialist could improve your quality of life.