Grand Canyon Times

Scientific research has provided increasing evidence of the correlation between chronic sinusitis and increased risk for stroke.

In 2005, a prospective cohort study published in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy concluded that both acute and chronic sinusitis are risk markers for stroke, and they are completely separate from traditional markers for stroke.

“Chronic sinusitis can have many significant consequences to one’s health,” Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Grand Canyon Times. “If left untreated, it can affect not only one’s nasal passageways and respiratory system, but your cardiovascular health as well. Chronic sinusitis can lead to nasal obstruction, which, if untreated, can cause sleep apnea. Subsequently, if sleep apnea is left untreated, it can negatively impact the heart, causing heart arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation) and stroke.”

Using data from a national cohort study from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, it has been deduced that chronic rhinosinusitis consistently increases the risk of stroke, regardless of demographic. Further study and meta-analysis review from the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases supports the fact chronic sinusitis is associated with a higher risk of stroke.

Chronic sinusitis comes with symptoms including inflammation of the sinuses, frontal sinus headache, runny nose and severe sinus headache. To be considered a chronic illness, symptoms must have lasted longer than 12 weeks, according to Healthline. Sinusitis can be caused by viral upper respiratory infection or viruses like cold, bacteria, fungus and allergies. The condition is more common if you have allergies, nasal polyps or exposure to pollutants or tobacco smoke, according to Merck Manuals. 

According to Cleveland Clinic, balloon sinuplasty is a Food and Drug Administration-approved, minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis patients. The procedure is so advanced that can be done in a medical office setting with no anesthesia. Those who have chronic sinusitis and are at an elevated risk for stroke may be able to lower their chances slightly through the balloon sinusplasty treatment that will open up breathing ways, which allows for oxygen to be in the bloodstream, and reduce the negative impact on the heart caused by the condidtion. 

If you believe you are suffering from chronic sinusitis, or another sinus related issue,  take a sinus self-assessment quiz, visit Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.