North Baltimore Journal

Scientific research backs the theory that having chronic sinusitis increases a person's risk for stroke.

In 2005, a prospective cohort study published in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy concluded that both acute and chronic sinusitis are risk markers for stroke, and they are completely separate from traditional markers for stroke.

“Some sinus patients will require general anesthesia, which is typically performed either in a surgical center or a hospital's main operating room, but the majority don't,” Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told North Baltimore Journal. “The majority of the minimally invasive procedures that we perform actually are performed either under topical or local anesthesia or with a moderate sedation in the clinic setting.” 

Using data from the national cohort study from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, it has been deduced that chronic sinusitis consistently increases the risk of stroke, regardless of demographic. Further study and meta-analysis review from the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases supports the fact chronic sinusitis is associated with a higher risk of stroke.

Chronic sinusitis includes symptoms such as inflammation of the sinuses, frontal sinus headache, runny nose and severe sinus headache. In order for the illness to be considered chronic, symptoms would have to last longer than 12 weeks, according to Healthline. 

Sinusitis can be caused by a viral upper respiratory infection or viruses like cold, bacteria, fungus and allergies. The condition is more common if you have allergies, nasal polyps or exposure to pollutants or tobacco smoke, according to Merck Manual. 

Cleveland Clinic explains that balloon sinuplasty is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis. The procedure is so advanced that it can be done in a medical office setting with no anesthesia. Those who have chronic sinusitis and are at an elevated risk for stroke may be able to lower their chances slightly through the balloon sinusplasty treatment that will open up breathing ways, which allows for oxygen to be in the bloodstream and reduce the negative impact on the heart caused by the condition. 

To learn more information or to take a sinus self-assessment quiz, visit Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.