Maryland State Wire

• Physical symptoms of sinusitis include nasal inflammation, a runny nose, congestion, headaches and pain or swelling in the face.
• People who have chronic sinusitis are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
• Balloon sinuplasty is a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure used to clear blocked sinuses.

Balloon sinuplasty is a quick, easy procedure for opening blocked sinus packages, said Dr. James Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Center.

"(Chronic sinusitis) certainly can be quite debilitating," Oberman said. "The studies show that it certainly contributes to a loss of vitality, productivity and quality of life. You don't have to live with it. There are solutions out there, many of which are very well tolerated and minimally invasive and almost risk free."

Studies have found that people with chronic sinusitis are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, Physicians Weekly reported. One study compared a group of 16,224 individuals who were treated for chronic sinusitis with a group of 32,448 "similar people" who did not have sinus problems. The study found that over the next 11 years, the sinusitis sufferers were more than 50% more likely to develop depression or anxiety.

Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic sinusitis is the cause of 4.1 million doctor visits and more than 230,000 emergency room visits each year.                   

People with chronic sinusitis might experience nasal inflammation, a runny nose, postnasal drainage, congestion, pain or swelling in the face, headaches, loss of smell and taste, a sore throat, bad breath or fatigue, according to Mayo Clinic.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure to clear blocked sinuses. This surgery is relatively new, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005. It’s also commonly referred to as the “smart sinus” procedure, according to Healthline. After a balloon sinuplasty, many people are able to return to their regular activities within a day or two. Some people even drive themselves home from the procedure.

Balloon sinuplasty is becoming more popular because it has lower risks and a quicker recovery time than traditional sinus surgery, according to GoodRX. The procedure does not require the removal of any bones or facial tissue, leading to less pain and swelling and a lower risk of infection.

Frederick Breathe Free offers a free online quiz to evaluate sinus symptoms.