Advances in research concerning the association between allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis and cognitive impairment

As the prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and allergic rhinitis (AR) continues to rise worldwide, more and more patients are reporting a lower quality of life. In addition to causing common nasal symptoms such as congestion and rhinorrhea, these illnesses also show a close association with cognitive function in several ways. However, the available evidence remains dispersed. This paper reviews existing research on the effects of AR and CRS on cognitive function, organized into five sections: disease characteristics, cognitive impacts, mechanism pathways, therapeutic interventions, and future directions. Clinical research suggests that AR has a significant association with children’s academic performance, neurodevelopment, and cognitive function, with a potential correlation with cognitive impairments. Additionally, adults’ anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments show a negative correlation with AR and CRS. Numerous factors, such as sleep disturbances, the intensity of facial symptoms, the nose-brain communication axis, brain activity and connectivity, and other issues, may be linked to the causes of cognitive impairment. Furthermore, there has been some advancement in the study of how AR and CRS treatments, such as sinus surgery, intranasal corticosteroids, and antihistamines, affect cognitive function. This data suggests that AR and CRS are closely related to cognitive impairment. However, there is still a lack of solid research evidence connecting AR and CRS to cognitive dysfunction, and further exploration is needed regarding their pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment.