Nola Reporter

• 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. Gregory Pippin of ENT & Allergy of New Orleans said chronic pain, caused by sinusitis, can trigger depression.

"The chronic sinus patient will have chronic pressure and chronic pain that can be debilitating, and they're going through life in constant pain that can cause anxiety and depression," Dr. Pippin told Nola Reporter. "Chronic pain will definitely cause chronic depression and can contribute to or exacerbate chronic depression. You're constantly preoccupied with this constant, debilitating pain that you're having, and then you can't breathe at all. So it's just a circular pattern that makes it very difficult for the patients to get relief."

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. Pippin is certified as both an otolaryngologist and a facial plastic surgeon, as noted on ENT and Allergy of New Orleans' website. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and continued his medical education at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He subsequently completed a comprehensive residency program covering otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, facial plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.