San Diego doctor: ‘Your sense of smell might be compromised’ because of sinusitis

• Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million or 11% of the American adult population.
• Sinusitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus, and allergies, and when conditions last for more than three months, it is classified as chronic sinusitis.
• Symptoms of sinusitis can include nasal inflammation, a runny nose, postnasal drainage, congestion, pain or swelling in the face, headaches, loss of smell and taste, a sore throat, bad breath, or fatigue.

No matter the severity of the condition or what symptoms present themselves, for a patient dealing with chronic sinusitis, their quality of life will be affected in some way. According to Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe of SoCal Breathe Free, symptoms can extend to losing your sense of smell and taste.

“When you have sinus infections, it really takes a lot out of you,” Dr. Schalch Lepe told Patient Daily. “We know that you're just not yourself, you don't feel well, and you don't have any energy. Your sense of smell might be compromised, so then eating is of no pleasure. And that affects your quality of life.”

According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, early intervention for a sinus patient not only increases their immediate quality of life but also improves long-term relief and reduces healthcare costs. 

The study also found that people who suffer from chronic sinusitis are more likely to experience poor-quality sleep. While 8-18% of the general population suffers from sleep disruption, the study found that 60-75% of people with chronic sinusitis experience sleep disruption. The study also found that chronic sinusitis patients who experience sleep disruption are also more likely to experience depression, a decreased quality of life, difficulty concentrating, fatigue throughout the day, and decreased memory and productivity.

Many patients who undergo a minimally invasive surgery to treat their chronic sinusitis also find that, after the surgery, their quality of sleep drastically improves, according to Atlanta ENT. A study of more than 500 patients who underwent sinus surgery found significant improvement in the patient’s sleep quality and overall quality of life.  

Serious complications can result from untreated sinusitis, such as vision loss, or infections in the bones and skin, according to Mayo Clinic. Experts recommend that patients schedule an appointment with a doctor if sinusitis symptoms last more than 10 days, or if the condition doesn't get better with treatment.

According to SoCal Breathe Free's website, Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe is an otolaryngologist and ENT doctor based in San Diego. His specialties include sinus, allergy, and sleep treatments. Dr. Schalch Lepe completed his residency in otolaryngology at UC Irvine Medical Center, affiliated with UC Irvine School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the School of Medicine at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico in Mexico City.