Sinusitis patients suffer pain similar to patients with arthritis, depression

Although muscle and joint aches are common complaints for patients who suffer with chronic sinusitis, the seriousness of these issues is now better appreciated. In a paper presented at the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Chicago, researchers revealed that the level of bodily pain in patients with chronic sinusitis is similar to that noted by individuals 65 years and older, and similar to the pain of patients with arthritis or depression. Sinus surgery, however, offers significant help. In the first review of its kind, researchers performed a meta-analysis of 11 studies to statistically analyze the connection between generalized bodily pain, sinus problems, and surgery to relieve clogged sinuses. They found that the daily experience of pain affecting the body in general was much more common in patients with sinus disease than in the overall population.

The patients' average age was 43, however, bodily pain levels were greater than those of 65󈞷-year-olds in the general population and similar to people over 75. Furthermore, the pain severity in sinus patients was also similar to patients with osteoarthritis or depression.

After surgery, all patients showed improvement. The improvement is estimated by the authors to be similar to that noted with the more well-known sinus symptoms such as facial pressure, postnasal drip, headache, etc.

Source: American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery