Grand Rapids Reporter

Recent studies have shown that people who suffer from chronic sinusitis are more likely to develop anxiety, depression and poor sleep habits if their condition is left untreated, which can have a negative impact on their daily lives. 

A Korean study found that people who have chronic sinusitis are 41% more likely to also suffer from depression, according to an article published in Physician's Weekly.

"Chronic sinus infections can have a significant impact on our quality of life, from how we perform at work/school and interact with friends and family," Dr. Seth Palmer, a doctor at Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists, told the Grand Rapids Reporter.

Dr. Michael Foster, also with Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists, agreed. "I think there's a big correlation between mood disorders and chronic sinusitis" because sufferers often don't feel well and have chronic headaches. The thought of having to deal with the condition forever can lead to a patient having depressing thoughts, which is one reason getting relief through treatment is important. Foster understands that sinus patients may sometimes wonder, "Am I ever going to feel better?"

According to the medical journal Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, roughly 60 to 75% of people who suffer from chronic sinusitis also deal with poor quality of sleep. 

Early intervention for a sinus patient not only increases their immediate quality of life, but also improves long-term relief and reduces associated health care costs, according to the medical journal Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery.

One of the most common early interventions that can be done by an ear, nose and throat specialist is balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive, in-office procedure with a very short recovery period. This treatment is done at Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists and has been proven very successful over the last 15 years.