- Seasonal depression is a common occurrence during the winter months.
- Around 10 million Americans experience seasonal depression every year.
- Persistent sinus problems may increase the probability of experiencing depression, but treatment can resolve both issues.
Millions of Americans struggle with seasonal depression during the winter, and sinus issues could be a contributing factor. Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free said chronic sinus troubles can be a trigger for depression.
“When patients are experiencing any sinus issues, the pain aspect of things, and probably more so, the fatigue, their energy levels are just low. I think that’s definitely the fuel to add to that depression cycle, where your energy levels are down,” Dr. Khana told the Maryland State Wire. “You just don’t feel like doing anything, you just get into this malaise because fatigue is a very common symptom of chronic and acute sinusitis. It definitely affects your energy levels, which certainly can exacerbate people who have depression or can kind of lead down that road to milder depression if this is untreated.”
A report from Boston University revealed that around ten million Americans encounter seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), annually. This condition may manifest with symptoms such as sadness, lethargy, and changes in weight. Typically, SAD occurs during the winter, marked by shorter days and reduced sunlight, and it tends to impact women more frequently than men. Treatment options for SAD include light therapy and conventional approaches like antidepressant medications.
Additional symptoms that could relate to SAD include oversleeping, weight gain, tiredness, low energy, and appetite changes, specifically cravings for high-carb foods, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors there noted that, although experiencing occasional low moods is a common part of life, if you find yourself consistently feeling down for extended periods and struggle to muster enthusiasm for activities you typically enjoy, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. This becomes particularly crucial if you notice changes in your sleep patterns and appetite, rely on alcohol for solace or relaxation, or experience feelings of hopelessness.
According to a study conducted by Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus, up to 25% of individuals dealing with chronic sinusitis also encounter symptoms of depression, in addition to more typical signs of a sinus infection like headaches, facial pain, coughing, and nasal discharge. Addressing sinus infections through medication or procedures like balloon sinuplasty can be an effective treatment for depression stemming from chronic sinusitis.
Dr. Khanna completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, according to Capitol Breathe Free’s website. He dedicated the following year to postgraduate research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In 2002, he received his medical degree from Albany Medical College. Afterward, he secured a place in the otolaryngology residency program at Albany Medical Center, where he completed his surgical internship and residency, holding the position of chief resident until 2007. Following the residency, Dr. Khanna obtained a fellowship in rhinology—advanced endoscopic sinus surgery—at the California Sinus Institute in Palo Alto, California. He concluded his fellowship in rhinology and achieved board certification in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery—in 2008 before returning to the D.C. metro area.
