Pensacola 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. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free said the balloon sinuplasty, a treatment that can help with sinusitis, is a quick and effective procedure.

"Over the last 10 years, we've really improved something called balloon sinus dilation, otherwise known as balloon sinuplasty," Dr. Blair told Pensacola Times. "What that is, is that we take a small catheter that's inserted into the natural opening of the sinus, of which we have six sinuses, and we then insert the balloon into the opening of the sinuses and dilate that balloon, dilating the natural opening of the sinus, and then we deflate the balloon. This takes less than a minute for each sinus. What that does is it permanently opens the sinuses so we can get treatment into the sinuses."

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.