Williamsburg Sun

• Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million or 11% of the American adult population.
• Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus, and allergies, and when conditions last for more than three months, it is classified as chronic sinusitis.
• Symptoms of sinusitis can include 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.

No matter the severity of the condition or what symptoms present themselves, for a patient dealing with chronic sinusitis, their quality of life will be affected in some way. According to Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free, it is better to seek medical solutions earlier for sinusitis, as waiting could impact your quality of life.

“The earlier that we can arrest the progression of chronic sinusitis, then we can decrease some of the long-term complications, including formation of polyps and significant chronic disease,” Dr. Ditto told the Williamsburg Sun. “We recommend early management versus waiting until the situation is severe. As far as quality of life, if you can treat the patient and improve their sinus conditions, then they won't take as much time off from work, which will help them financially.”

According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, early intervention for a sinus patient not only increases their immediate quality of life but also improves long-term relief and reduces healthcare costs. 

The study also found that people who suffer from chronic sinusitis are more likely to experience poor-quality sleep. While 8-18% of the general population suffers from sleep disruption, the study found that 60-75% of people with chronic sinusitis experience sleep disruption. The study also found that chronic sinusitis patients who experience sleep disruption are also more likely to experience depression, a decreased quality of life, difficulty concentrating, fatigue throughout the day, and decreased memory and productivity.

Many patients who undergo a minimally invasive surgery to treat their chronic sinusitis also find that, after the surgery, their quality of sleep drastically improves, according to Atlanta ENT. A study of more than 500 patients who underwent sinus surgery found significant improvement in the patient’s sleep quality and overall quality of life.  

Serious complications can result from untreated sinusitis, such as vision loss, or infections in the bones and skin, according to Mayo Clinic. Experts recommend that patients schedule an appointment with a doctor if sinusitis symptoms last more than 10 days, or if the condition doesn't get better with treatment.

According to Richmond Breathe Free's website, Dr. John Ditto earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, where he was recognized for his research. He then received specialized training in ear, nose, and throat disorders at the University of Michigan's Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.