Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus and allergies. | stock photo
Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus and allergies. | stock photo
Congestion and headaches are common symptoms of chronic sinusitis, but newly published research has suggested that this inflammation can also lead to depression, inability to focus and other mental afflictions.
Chronic sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, affects approximately 11% of U.S. adults, or around 28.9 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Typical treatment for such inflammation includes antibiotics, but recurring inflammation -- and the following repair of sinus tissue -- over the years can lead to a thicker, callous-like skin within the sinuses. This can lead to a recurrence of symptoms.
In a study of over 1,200 adults between the ages of 22 and 35, the Human Connectome Project observed radiology scans and cognitive measurements. Twenty-two adults were established to have moderate to severe sinusitis. Following a comparison with a control group of 22 adults of the same age and gender, the individuals with sinusitis had various differences in brain activity within areas of the brain related to attention, focus and social behavior.
Though these differences were observed, the cognitive and behavioral testing of the individuals demonstrated no significant discrepancies in cognitive measurements between the groups.
According to the CDC, chronic sinusitis is responsible for 4.1 million doctor's visits and approximately 230,000 emergency room visits each year.
Dr. Jeffrey Feinfield of Bella Vista ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery said, “It is scientifically proven that patients with chronic sinusitis also suffer from poor sleep, depression. Our philosophy is, let’s fix the problem, so the patient can get back on that healing road for the rest of their life.”
Dr. Aria Jafari of the University of Washington’s School of Medicine views the findings of the study as an opportunity for further exploration. “The next step would be to study people who have been clinically diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. It might involve scanning patients’ brains, then providing typical treatment for sinus disease with medication or surgery.”
Jafari also believes that ENT specialists may be able to use the findings to better understand the less-apparent effects that chronic sinusitis can have on adults. “Our care should not be limited to relieving the most overt physical symptoms, but the whole burden of patients’ disease.”
Funding for the study was made possible through organizations including the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Human Connectome Project.
If you might be struggling with allergies or sinusitis, take this online quiz to find out more.
Alerts Sign-up