PHX Reporter

• 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 Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers discussed the emotional and mental distress that could be caused by chronic sinusitis in an interview.

"Every doctor will tell you that any chronic illness that is impacting someone adversely will affect their emotional state," Stewart said. "I don't claim to be an expert in depression, but it's not a hard leap to imagine that if you're feeling crummy, and for an extended period of time, that can have a toll on your overall mental health."

According to Physician's Weekly, recent evidence suggests that 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 who received treatment for chronic sinusitis with a group of 32,448 similar people who didn't have sinus issues. None of the participants had a history of depression or anxiety. However, during 11 years of followup, patients with chronic sinusitis were more than 50% more likely to develop depression or anxiety.

Mayo Clinic reported that nasal and sinus problems, including allergies and sinusitis, can lead to a loss of taste and smell, which in turn can cause the sufferer to experience a decreased appetite and poor nutrition. Sinusitis can also make sufferers more likely to experience depression. Some may use excess salt or sugar on food to make the taste stronger, which can worsen problems with diabetes and high blood sugar. Fortunately, 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 (ear, nose and throat) doctor can help those struggling with depression caused by sinus issues. Balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive treatment option, is offered by Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers. The procedure is completed in-office and lasts about an hour. The preparation takes 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 then guided through the sinus. The balloon is gently inflated with saline for five seconds and removed when the sinuses open. The recovery time is quick, with some patients capable of returning to work the following day.

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