SE LA 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.

Studies have shown that chronic sinusitis can lead to depression, according to Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers. That's why it's important to seek treatment from a specialist, so you can improve your quality of life and start breathing better as soon as possible.

"There's a very significant correlation unfortunately (between sinusitis and depression)," Hershcovitch told SE LA Times. "There's a very good study out of the Cleveland Clinic that shows a direct link between not only depression, but anxiety as well, in people with chronic sinusitis. Those who have developed chronic sinusitis are much more likely to develop depression and anxiety. This is because it is like a weight on top of you 24/7."

Studies have found that people who have chronic sinusitis could also be more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, Physicians 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 next 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 food to try to make it taste stronger, which can make problems with diabetes or high blood sugar worse. 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 by SoCal 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 the 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 patients may even return to work the following day.                         

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