Empire State Today

• Seasonal depression is a common occurrence during the winter months.
• Around 10 million Americans experience seasonal depression every year.
• Persistent sinus problems may increase the probability of experiencing depression, but treatment can resolve both issues. 

Millions of Americans struggle with seasonal depression during the winter, and sinus issues could be a contributing factor. Dr. Joseph Capo of Capo Nose & Sinus Center said chronic sinusitis leads to self-isolation, which can result in depression.

"Patients who are experiencing sinus issues often feel unwell, dealing with symptoms like congestion, pressure, and an overall sense of misery," Dr. Capo told Empire State Today. "These symptoms can make them reluctant to go out and interact with others, causing them to prefer staying home. As a result, we frequently encounter individuals who are suffering significantly due to recurrent sinus problems. This isolation and reduced interaction can lead to an increase in depressive symptoms as they struggle to cope with the impact of their sinus issues on their daily lives."

A report from Boston University revealed that around ten million Americans encounter seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), annually. This condition may manifest with symptoms such as sadness, lethargy, and changes in weight. Typically, SAD occurs during the winter, marked by shorter days and reduced sunlight, and it tends to impact women more frequently than men. Treatment options for SAD include light therapy and conventional approaches like antidepressant medications.

Additional symptoms that could relate to SAD include oversleeping, weight gain, tiredness, low energy, and appetite changes, specifically cravings for high-carb foods, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors there noted that, although experiencing occasional low moods is a common part of life, if you find yourself consistently feeling down for extended periods and struggle to muster enthusiasm for activities you typically enjoy, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. This becomes particularly crucial if you notice changes in your sleep patterns and appetite, rely on alcohol for solace or relaxation, or experience feelings of hopelessness.

According to a study conducted by Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus, up to 25% of individuals dealing with chronic sinusitis also encounter symptoms of depression, in addition to more typical signs of a sinus infection like headaches, facial pain, coughing, and nasal discharge. Addressing sinus infections through medication or procedures like balloon sinuplasty can be an effective treatment for depression stemming from chronic sinusitis.

Dr. Capo is the founder of Capo Nose and Sinus Center, according to the company website. Having concluded a five-year residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, his primary emphasis was on treating individuals with sinus and nasal disorders. He has performed more than 1000 sinus procedures and also carries out septoplasty and Latera nasal valve implant procedures directly in the office setting.