Maryland State Wire

Manish Khanna, a doctor at Capitol Breathe Free, said that sinusitis can impair concentration and mental alertness due to discomfort, sleep issues, and brain fog. He made the statement on Instagram on April 2.

"Sinusitis can make it difficult to concentrate by causing discomfort and draining energy," said Khanna, according to Instagram. "Constant nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and pain can be distracting, making it difficult to focus on tasks. Poor sleep due to difficulty breathing or sleeplessness can lead to exhaustion, further reducing mental alertness. Many people with sinusitis also experience brain fog, where their thoughts seem to be about the unknown or the unfamiliar."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, often results from infections, allergies, or structural issues. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headache, and a reduced sense of smell. These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life.

ENT health reported that sinusitis can lead to sleep disturbances due to nasal congestion and facial discomfort. These symptoms may disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and decreased daytime functioning. Persistent sleep issues associated with sinusitis can further exacerbate cognitive difficulties.

According to Wiley's research published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, cognitive issues often described as "brain fog" are a common complaint among individuals with chronic sinusitis. The study indicates that people with chronic rhinosinusitis may experience impairments in memory, attention, and executive function—even in the absence of an active infection.

Dr. Manish Khanna is a board-certified Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) with advanced fellowship training in Sinus and Skull Base Surgery. He graduated with honors from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed his residency at Temple University Hospital, followed by a prestigious fellowship at the Georgia Nasal and Sinus Institute. He is the founder and medical director of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, where he focuses on innovative, minimally invasive treatments for chronic sinus conditions.

Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers is a specialized medical practice focused on diagnosing and treating chronic sinus and allergy conditions using advanced, minimally invasive procedures. Based in Washington D.C., the clinic offers services including balloon sinuplasty, allergy testing, and immunotherapy designed to improve patients' breathing and overall quality of life. The center is led by board-certified ENT specialists who emphasize personalized care with state-of-the-art technology in an outpatient setting.