Manatee Review

• Pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau began experiencing dizzy spells at the 2020 Masters.
• After meeting with an ENT specialist, DeChambeau learned that his vertigo was caused by a blocked nasal passage.
• After sinus surgery, DeChambeau found that his dizziness went away, his thoughts were clearer, he could speak better and his energy levels were higher.

DeChambeau began experiencing dizzy spells in November 2020, and after almost two years of trying to figure out the cause, he underwent a full-body scan, according to LIV Golf. The scan found a cyst in DeChambeau's left maxillary sinus, and then he met with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

The doctor explained that the cyst was limiting air flow in DeChambeau's nasal passage, which meant he wasn't getting enough oxygen. His low nitric oxide levels were causing his dizzy spells. 

DeChambeau underwent sinus surgery to remove the cyst and improve his nasal passages. For three or four days after the surgery, he had to breathe through his mouth to avoid straining his nose, which he said led to an uncomfortable sore throat. However, after those few days had passed, he said he could breathe properly for the first time in years, and other aspects of his health improved as well. 

“To get that fixed, it’s been the greatest decision of my life,” DeChambeau told LIV Golf. “My energy level is so much better. My clarity of thought is way better. I don’t know if you can tell, but my speech is a lot more fluent and I’m not stopping as much or pitching as much like I used to last year and before. I feel like I’m back to 2018 me.” 

At the beginning of 2018, DeChambeau was ranked 99th, but a series of wins led to him finishing out the year ranked 5th.

Local doctor, Mariah Pate, of Tampa Bay Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Manatee Review that sinus surgery has become more technologically advanced and less invasive, which means that patients have a much shorter recovery time.

"There's so many cutting-edge innovations in the world of sinus surgery. Over the years, we've perfected the art of sinus surgery and treatment options," Pate said. "I really enjoy it, and I think minimally invasive options are such a huge breakthrough in the field. For so many years, we did big sinus surgeries, and for some people and some patients, that's still the right treatment plan. But now we have options for people with mild-to-moderate sinusitis who are able to have procedures done usually in the office, under local anesthesia, and they do really well." 

The inflammation that comes along with chronic sinusitis can cause difficulty concentrating, as well as depression, according to University of Washington School of Medicine. Chronic sinusitis sufferers might also experience lower energy levels, facial pain and pressure, decreased senses of taste and smell, coughing, congestion and nasal discharge, according to Cleveland Clinic.

For more information about the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.