Could Your Sinus Problems Be Making You Depressed?

Research has uncovered several strong links between sinus congestion, depression, and suicidal thoughts

Chronic rhinosinusitis can affect the whole body and cause such comorbid conditions as cognitive dysfunction, diabetes, and sleep disorders. Photoroyalty/Shutterstock

Between 1 and 5 percent of the American population suffers from “chronic rhinosinusitis” (CRS), a condition in which the nose and sinuses are inflamed for at least 12 consecutive weeks.  It can result in a plugged nose, facial pain, loss of smell, or nasal mucus—or all of the above. As much as 11.6 percent of U.S. adults have sinusitis—inflamed sinuses—and 8 percent of U.S. adults and 7 percent of U.S. children have seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, which can also be characterized by sinus inflammation.

Now researchers believe that the conditions can be linked to depression, anxiety, and even suicide, although it isn’t clear whether the mental health issues precede or follow the sinus issues.