Richmond Leader

• Investigations reveal that chronic sinusitis contributes to hypertension
• 2% of men and 4% of women who suffer from chronic sinusitis will experience significant jumps in blood pressure
• Some overlooked symptoms include a dry sinus headache or sinus inflammation

Historical evidence supports the theory that how we breathe is an essential factor in our overall health and well-being. In addition, further investigations have revealed that chronic sinusitis can contribute to or exacerbate other health conditions.

Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers recently discussed the connection between early intervention and chronic disease.

“The earlier that we can arrest the progression of chronic sinusitis, then we can decrease some of the long-term complications, including the formation of polyps and significant chronic disease,” Ditto said. 

It is widely known that breathing is impaired by sinusitis and research published by the European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine has revealed that chronic sinusitis can contribute to the development of hypertension.

Looking back at history, we can follow evidence from a study conducted by the physiology and cell biology department at Ohio State University that supports the fact that breathing affects our overall health, and it is known that the heart rate increases during inhaling — while arterial blood pressure decreases — and vice versa as we exhale. 

According to the Consequences of Chronic Rhinosinusitis on Blood Pressure study, it was concluded that 2% of men and 4% of women who experience inflammation of sinus also experience a significant increase in blood pressure, especially in patient groups over 50 years of age.

Healthline reports that some common symptoms of chronic sinusitis that can potentially restrict breathing include post nasal drip and inflamed nostrils. Symptoms may also be less obvious, including sinus conditions like dry sinus headache or a sinus migraine.

According to a study published in Breathe Journal, there could be use for slow, controlled breathing techniques, which lower stress and help promote health and longevity. More analysis is required to make a determination, however. 

Sinus inflammation specialists are an imperative resource for sinus inflammation patients who wish to enhance well-being and increase longevity.