• Investigations reveal chronic sinusitis contributes to hypertension
• 2% of men and 4% of women who suffer from chronic sinusitis will experience significant increases in blood pressure
• Overlooked symptoms are dry sinus headache or sinus migraine

Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers warns against the use of decongestants and the role sinusitis has on other health conditions. 

Historical evidence supports the theory that how we breathe is an essential factor in over health and well-being. In addition, further investigations have revealed that chronic sinusitis can contribute to or exacerbate other health conditions.

“We see patients who are taking enormous amounts of decongestants and it becomes a concern on older patients,” Khama said. “Decongestants like Claritin D treat a symptom but they're not treating the problem, so if patients take tremendous amounts of those, it can raise their blood pressure and that is a risk factor for stroke. Be careful, especially with people who have underlying cardiovascular or just vascular disease, they certainly can be at risk there.” 

It is widely known that breathing is impaired by sinusitis and investigations have led researchers to conclude that chronic sinusitis can contribute to hypertension development, according to the European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine.

From a well-documented historical perspective, there is evidence that shows that breathing does in fact affect our overall health and it has long been known that the heart rate increases during the time we inhale, while arterial blood pressure decreases, and vice versa as we exhale, according to the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at Ohio State University.

According to the Consequences of Chronic Rhinosinusitis on Blood Pressure study, it was found that 2% of men and 4% of women who experience sinus inflammation additionally can experience a huge increase in blood pressure, especially those patients who are over 50 years old. 

Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis that may restrict our breathing are post-nasal drip and inflamed nostrils, according to Healthline. Symptoms could be less related to a sinus condition such as a dry sinus headache or a sinus migraine.

A Breath Journal study concludes that there could be a benefit from techniques for slow controlled breathing that help lower stress and also associated with an individual’s health and longevity. More analysis is needed.

Sinus inflammation specialists are an imperative resource for sinus inflammation patients who wish to enhance well-being and increase longevity.