Richmond Leader

• 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.

Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers discussed the importance of getting medical treatment for mental health issues, such as depression, in an interview with the Richmond Leader.

"Some sinusitis patients begin to struggle with depression if they haven't received any treatment," Ditto said. "That's why it's important to seek treatment from a specialist, so you can improve your quality of life and live in a happier state of mind."

According to Physician's Weekly, people who suffer from chronic sinusitis could also be more likely to experience depression and anxiety. A Korean study compared a group of 16,224 people treated for chronic sinusitis with a group of 32,448 similar people who didn't have any sinus conditions. None of the participants had reported a history of depression or anxiety. However, during 11 years of followup, chronic sinusitis patients were more than 50% more likely to develop depression or anxiety.

Mayo Clinic reported that nasal and sinus problems, such as allergies and sinusitis, can lead to a loss of taste and smell, which can cause the sufferer to experience a decreased appetite and poor nutrition. Sinusitis can also make sufferers more likely to develop depression. Some may use excessive amounts of salt or sugar in food to make the taste stronger, but this can worsen problems with conditions such as diabetes and high blood sugar. However, if the loss of taste and smell is due to a nasal issue, treating the infection will restore the senses.

Seeking treatment from an ENT doctor can help those struggling with depression linked to sinus issues. Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers offers balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive treatment option that is completed in-office and takes about an hour. The preparation lasts for about 30 minutes and involves anesthetics being applied to the nose for additional comfort.

According to Healthline, a narrow instrument with a balloon attached at the end is guided through the sinuses. The balloon is then gently inflated with saline for five seconds and removed when the sinuses open. The recovery time is relatively quick, with some patients able to return to work or school the following day.

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