Chronic sinusitis is a common problem, affecting 12% of adults in the United States. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include facial pain, facial pressure, headache, congestion, post-nasal drip, and difficulty breathing through the nose.
Chronic sinusitis can have a significant affect on the quality of life, which can lead to depression. Depression may arise in the setting of chronic sinusitis because of persistent discomfort. Patients with chronic sinusitis often have sleep disturbance due to nasal obstruction, post-nasal drip, and cough. Poor sleep is highly correlated with symptoms of depression.
People with emotional issues linked to chronic sinusitis are more likely to miss work or school, leading to productivity loss, and further exacerbating symptoms of depression.
Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for chronic sinusitis. Examination by an ear, nose, and throat specialist(otolaryngologist) is necessary to check for structural issues, such as a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, or blocked sinus passages. Evaluation for allergies may be recommended, and a scan of the sinuses may be indicated.
Treatments for chronic sinusitis include oral medications, nasal sprays, and sinus rinses. For those with long-term structural issues, an in-office procedure, balloon sinuplasty, may be recommended to open the sinus pathways. Patients with a deviated nasal septum and/or polyps may benefit from an ambulatory surgical procedure.
