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BackTable / ENT / Podcast / Episode #225
Sinusitis & Cognitive Impairment: Exploring the Inflammatory Pathway
with Dr. Aria Jafari
Chronic sinusitis might be doing more than just clogging your nose–it could be clouding your brain. In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Aria Jafari, an assistant professor at the University of Washington and co-director of the Neuroendocrinology Advanced Sinus and Skull-base Surgery Fellowship, discusses the connection between sinusitis and cognitive dysfunction with hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan.
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BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, June 2). Ep. 225 – Sinusitis & Cognitive Impairment: Exploring the Inflammatory Pathway [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
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Podcast Contributors
Dr. Aria Jafari
Dr. Aria Jafari is an otolaryngologist, assitant professor at the University of Washington and co-director the Neuroendocrinology Advanced Sinus and Skull-base Surgery Fellowship in Seattle, Washington.
Dr. Gopi Shah
Dr. Gopi Shah is a pediatric otolaryngologist and the co-host of BackTable ENT.
Dr. Ashley Agan
Dr. Ashley Agan is an otolaryngologist in Dallas, TX.
Synopsis
Dr. Jafari shares how his interest in this field developed and details his research on the relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and brain function. The conversation highlights the comprehensive impact of sinus inflammation on overall health, emphasizing the importance of viewing CRS as a whole-body condition. They also discuss patient experiences, the methodologies used to assess cognitive dysfunction, potential treatments, and what’s next in the research frontier.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
06:18 - The Impact of CRS on Quality of Life
14:02 - Understanding Brain Fog and Cognitive Dysfunction
24:29 - Pathophysiology and Theories of Cognitive Dysfunction
27:44 - Chronic Inflammation and Cognitive Effects
28:59 - Impact of Biologics on Cognitive Function
31:28 - Risk Factors for Cognitive Dysfunction
35:02 - Olfactory Symptoms
37:13 - Future Research and Treatment Approaches
45:31 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Resources
Dr. Aria Jafari
https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/aria-jafari
Transcript Preview
[Dr. Aria Jafari]
I think it just is important to recognize that inflammation doesn't just stuff up your nose. It rewires your brain. I think the more we understand how the brain and inflammation is connected to each other, I think the more we'll understand that this condition actually is a whole body condition, a whole-life disease, and I think that that's something that I hope that folks who are listening in will appreciate. I think we already appreciate that when we talk to these patients, but recognizing it as a real thing and telling patients that this is something that is a component of the condition and making sure they're heard can be really powerful.
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.
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