There is mounting evidence that untreated chronic sinusitis increases the risk for stroke. | PxHere.com
There is mounting evidence that untreated chronic sinusitis increases the risk for stroke. | PxHere.com
• Millions of Americans suffer from chronic sinusitis every year.
• Symptoms of sinusitis include congestion, nasal discharge, facial pain, fever, headaches and toothaches.
• If left untreated, sinusitis can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Dr. Manish Khanna, a board-certified otolaryngologist with Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, said that for some patients, the overuse of decongestants is worrisome.
"We see patients who are taking enormous amounts of decongestants, and it becomes a concern for older patients," Khanna told Gateway Reporter. "Decongestants like Claritin-D treat a symptom, but they're not treating the problem, so if patients take tremendous amounts of those, it can raise their blood pressure, and that is a risk factor for stroke. Be careful -- especially for people who have underlying cardiovascular or just vascular disease. They certainly can be at risk there."
About 28.9 million of American adults suffer from chronic sinusitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sinus infections are also responsible for about 4.1 million doctor visits and more than 230,000 trips to the emergency room.
Scotland's National Health Service says that symptoms of chronic sinusitis include congestion, facial pain, headaches, toothaches and nasal drainage. People experiencing similar symptoms that haven't improved in more than a week are encouraged to see a doctor. Initial treatment options may include over-the-counter medicine or a saline solution, but if that doesn't help, antibiotics or a corticosteroid spray may be necessary. If symptoms still don't improve, sinus surgery may be the next step.
Untreated sinusitis inflammation can lead to bigger health problems, such as an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, neurological disease, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, according to Next Avenue.
Balloon sinuplasty is one surgical option. According to Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center, the procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and most patients recover within two days and can resume their normal daily activities. Swelling in some patients, however, may last up to a week.
If you're interested in learning more about the symptoms of sinusitis or allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.
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