PHX Reporter

A couple of weeks of nasal congestion, runny nose, sinus headaches and loss of sense of smell can be an annoying inconvenience during cold or allergy season.

However, experiencing constant nasal congestion and other sinus symptoms can not only have serious impacts on quality of life but can also be indicative of an underlying issue at hand. 

According to My Sinusitis, if those cold- or allergy-like symptoms don't go away or get worse, a sinus disorder might be to blame, and a procedure to remedy the issue will likely improve the patient's quality of life. 

"A study by the National Institutes of Health showed that over a one-year period, there were up to 73 million restricted-activity days related to sinusitis and total direct medical costs of almost $2.4 billion, not including surgery or radiographic imaging," Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers' Dr. John Stewart said. "Unresolved sinusitis becomes a quality-of-life issue, taking people away from their jobs, family, friends and obligations."

As if the general annoyance of not being able to breathe through the nose or taste foods weren't enough, chronic sinusitis can also be quite painful. The European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases says that recurring sinus conditions usually are accompanied by pressure and pain throughout the nose, head and face. Adding to that are the common symptoms of fatigue, sleep problems and the inability to concentrate at work or during social time. 

“Sinusitis, by definition, is inflammation of the sinuses," Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers' Physician Assistant Diana Ruiloba said. "This is important to note, as inflammation of the sinuses becomes chronic, it makes it more challenging for sinuses to function optimally. Over time chronic sinusitis can lead to a lack of functionality, which to leads persistent symptoms of nasal obstruction, facial pressure/pain and posterior nasal drainage. These persistent symptoms then begin to affect quality of life."

The Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers offers a sinus symptoms quiz to help patients find out if those pesky, lingering symptoms are something to be concerned about. Balloon sinuplasty is a modern, minimally invasive and simple procedure that can be conducted in the clinic for sinus relief. 

“Treating sinusitis can have significant financial impact over time when multiple over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, steroids are having to be purchased to manage (it)," Ruiloba said. "Multiple medical visits to get symptoms managed can lead to significant cost. Sinusitis flareups are leading to you having to take days off from work or school (and) this can be substantial over time."