South DFW News

Sinus problems can sometimes be so severe that they contribute to mental health issues, according to Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.

"Studies have shown that there's an increased correlation of major depressive disorders with chronic rhinosinusitis," Trimble told South DFW News. "People just don't feel good when they suffer from this condition, and it makes sense that it tends to get people down over time."

Sinus problems can be a contributing factor because they linger for long periods of time, said Trimble.

"I think, also the fact that  people don't get it, doctors don't get it, friends don't get it, they don't understand. That also tends to push people down that pathway," Trimble said.  "Now, whether or not there's a genetic predisposition or other things that increase someone's risk that they're going to have that association together, I don't know. There may be, but I'm not surprised by the association."

Major depression affects 7.1% of the U.S. population, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.  Symptoms of depression can include the inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal, irritability and loss of appetite, the organization said.

In a review of 320 patients with sinus symptoms, it was noted that depressed chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients reported significantly worse pain using the Beck Depression Inventory, a self-reporting questionnaire that measures depressive symptoms. Scientists concluded that more depression was found in participants with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, according to the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy.

In a larger cohort study with an 11-year followup, findings show that chronic rhinosinusitis sufferers are at a greater increased risk for depression and that depression and anxiety appeared to occur more frequently in patients without nasal polyps, compared with those with nasal polyps, JAMA Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery reported.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) occurs in 1 to 5% of the population and includes symptoms like sinus pressure, headache and postnasal drip. An article in American Family Physician said depression may develop from failed attempts at medical  management or the treatment itself. 

Balloon sinuplasty is an FDA-approved medical procedure for those who have CRS. Approved in 2005, the procedure is simple and minimally invasive. A ear, nose and throat specialist inserts a tiny balloon into the nose, then expands it to open the sinuses, helping the patient to breathe better.

In a prospective cohort study from the Journal of American  Academy of Otolaryngology, improved measurements in quality of life were reported after endoscopic sinus surgery.           

If you are struggling with chronic sinusitis with depression and want to learn more about treatment options, take our Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.