Grand Canyon Times

• 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. 

Sinusitis sufferers are prone to depression, as having sinus issues impacts many areas of their lives in a negative way, according to Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center.

"I think most people who don't have issues with their nose or sinuses have no idea," Lee told Grand Canyon Times. "For the unfortunate millions of people who are suffering with chronic sinus issues, all of these sinus issues have trickled down into every facet of their life."

Studies have found that people with chronic sinusitis could also be more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, Physician's Weekly reported. 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 may be more likely to experience depression, according to Mayo Clinic. Some might use excess salt or sugar on their food to try to make it taste stronger, which can worsen 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 ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor can help if you're struggling with depression caused by sinus issues. There are minimally invasive treatment options available, such as a balloon sinuplasty, which is offered at Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center.

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 the sinuses, the balloon is gently inflated for five seconds with saline, and when the sinuses open, the balloon is removed. The recovery time is relatively quick, and some patients even return to work the following day.

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