How Chronic Sinusitis Affects Quality Of Life And The Role Of Sinus Surgery

Breathing is a basic function that is normally performed automatically. If you're doing it correctly, you won't even notice. However, if your breathing is off, you'll notice it soon. It can make you feel uncomfortable, affect your sleep, and limit the things you can do.

Studies have been conducted to determine how much and in what ways chronic sinusitis—that is, sinusitis that does not go away after a few weeks but persists—affects quality of life. (Ear, nose, and throat specialists refer to sinusitis as rhino sinusitis because inflammation of the nose and sinuses nearly often occurs concurrently.)

Chronic sinusitis symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms of chronic sinusitis:

• stuffy or congested nose
• thick discharge from the nose
• pressure or discomfort in the face
• reduced or no sense of smell or taste

When sinusitis persists and symptoms do not improve or worsen, it can limit a patient's ability to fully participate in and enjoy daily activities, reducing quality of life dramatically. Patients get sinus surgery for a variety of reasons, the most prevalent of which is to improve their quality of life.

The effect

Chronic sinusitis causes sleep disturbances, persistent discomfort, and the inability to completely concentrate on or accomplish daily duties. However, the illness is curable, and symptoms are frequently decreased with treatment. A specialist in ear, nose, and throat medicine, commonly known as an otolaryngologist or ENT, is uniquely trained to help patients with chronic or recurrent sinus problems.

For further information, consult your Dr. Camysha Wright.