Nature Coast Times

• Studies have shown that chronic sinusitis can lead to decreased brain connectivity.
• Nasal breathing can boost brain activity.
• There are minimally invasive treatment options that an ENT specialist can provide to treat these issues.

Sinusitis can lead to unexpected problems, including cognitive challenges. Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free said a balloon sinuplasty procedure is an easy procedure that can treat these issues.

"The big difference is that with a balloon sinuplasty versus sinus surgery in the operating room, [there] is a shorter recovery, (usually) less bleeding, [and] less pain for the patient," Dr. Pate told Nature Coast Times. "Generally, with the balloon sinuplasty, the patient is in the office for about an hour. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and then they go home the same day. They relax for about 24 hours, and within about a day or two, they're back to their normal life."

According to research by the University of Washington School of Medicine, individuals with chronic sinusitis show reduced brain connectivity in regions of the frontal lobe responsible for regulating cognition, self-reflection, and response to external stimuli.

Additionally, when a patient is struggling with sinusitis, they have difficulties with nasal breathing. Breathing through your nose enhances oxygen intake and enhances brain function, according to KTM Yoga. They note that nasal breathing has the advantage of slowing down the airflow in the nose, promoting the dilation of blood vessels, and reducing heart rate, ultimately creating a sense of tranquility.

A report from the National Library of Medicine indicates that chronic sinusitis can also lead to memory loss. Research has established a connection between CRS and cognitive impairments that could potentially progress into Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD, the primary cause of dementia in the elderly, is characterized by progressive memory loss, cognitive deficits, and notable personality alterations.

ENT specialists can perform minimally invasive procedures that can help treat sinusitis and its accompanying symptoms. One of these procedures is balloon sinuplasty. According to Nuffield Health, balloon sinuplasty is a safe procedure with minimal recovery times utilized by surgeons to address chronic sinusitis. During the process, doctors insert a guide wire equipped with a small balloon into the nostrils and navigate it to the area of blockage where the balloon is gently inflated enough to open the sinuses.