Dangers of rhinosinusitis

Rhinosinusitis - inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses - can negatively affect the functional connection between parts of the brain, which in turn can lead to cognitive impairment, a new study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery noted.

According to Medportal.ru, studies have shown that people who suffer from inflammation in the nose often have lower scores on cognitive tests, they have a slower reaction and some types of attention are worse. But treating rhinosinusitis can improve cognitive function.

These findings have led scientists to believe that there is an unknown functional relationship between rhinosinusitis and cognitive impairment. A new study found that people with sinusitis had weakened functional connectivity in the frontoparietal regions of the brain, which are responsible for executive brain functions, maintaining attention, and problem-solving. They also had reduced connectivity in the neural network, which is involved in responses to external stimuli and social behavior. The degree of decrease in functional connectivity in the brain increased in parallel with the severity of the course of sinusitis.

This is the first study to demonstrate such a link.