SINUS PROBLEMS AND THE STRUGGLE TO FOCUS

DR POOJA HARSHA MBBS, MS ENT, MRCS (ENGLAND) ENT, HEAD&NECK CONSULTANT, Fortis Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore

SINUS PROBLEMS AND THE STRUGGLE TO FOCUS: EXPLORING THE CONNECTION The paranasal sinuses are the air-filled spaces housed within the bones that make up the face. Normally these are like well-ventilated chambers. When there is a block in ventilation it leads to inflammation, collection of fluid and excess growth of tissue in the nose and sinuses. As we now know the patient can have a wide array of symptoms such as frequent nose blocks, discharge from the nose, postnasal drip going to the throat, headaches, pain in the face, loss of smell, excessive sneezing, disturbed sleep etc. Recently however some studies at pioneering hospitals have shown a connection between long term sinus problems and their connection to neurological issues such as inability to concentrate, cognition/affecting memory, depression and the ability to respond to stimuli.