When you’re living with lupus, it can be hard to figure out if symptoms are connected with the condition itself or point to another condition. For example, MyLupusTeam members often share their concerns about sinus problems, such as sinus pressure and sinus infections. Like common symptoms such as joint pain and rashes, do sinus problems stem from having lupus?

If you’re dealing with a sinus infection and wonder if it’s related to lupus, here’s what you need to know. As always, your doctor is best placed to help you get to the bottom of your sinus symptoms and find an effective treatment.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

A sinus infection can develop when tissue in your sinuses gets inflamed (swollen). Your sinuses are located in your forehead, under your eyes and around your nose, and are normally filled with air as you breathe. When they get infected, they can’t fill up as effectively.

Sinus infections are often produce symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Postnasal drip (mucus traveling down your throat)
• Runny nose
• Sinus congestion or stuffiness
• Ear pain
• Sensations of pressure in your face or teeth
• Fatigue

Some sinus infections are caused by viruses, like the common cold, but they can also result from bacterial infections or fungal infections. The most effective treatment for your sinus infection will depend on its cause.

What Does It Feel Like To Have a Sinus Infection With Lupus?

Many members of MyLupusTeam have responded to questions like “Does anyone else deal with nonstop sinus pressure and drainage?” Replies regarding chronic sinus problems include the following:

• “My sister, who has lupus, has constant sinus drainage, and it gives her a sore throat and makes her chest hurt. She’s worse in the winter when it’s cold and the heat is on, but now she’s sick this spring, and it’s probably allergies, but she’s sick all year long.”
• “I have constant sinus infections and ear infections year-round.”
• “My nose has been running constantly for a year.”

Some people find that certain conditions worsen sinus problems. One member explained, “I have sinusitis all year long, and unfortunately, sometimes I don’t even have to go outside, but a change in the weather such as rain, sleet, or snow will bring it on again.”

Another member said they associate sinus problems with lupus flares: “I’m constantly questioning if I’m sick or if I’m having a flare.”

The pain and discomfort from sinus problems can be significant. One member put it this way: “I’m having problems with my sinuses. My ears and head are hurting, and the pressure in my face is really bad.”

Another said, “My face will also feel like I have a bad abscessed tooth, although I had all my teeth pulled over 30 years ago.”

Sometimes, sinus problems seem directly related to lupus. One member noted that all their problems seem to occur on one side: “I have chronic nasal issues in just one nostril — on the same side as my eye discomfort and vision issues from lupus.”

Since so many people with lupus also deal with sinus issues, it’s important to understand how the two conditions might be linked.

How Are Sinus Infections and Lupus Connected?

There is some correlation between lupus and sinus problems. People with chronic sinus problems are more likely to have lupus or another autoimmune disease than the rest of the population. One small 2016 study of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) — the most common form of lupus — showed that 31.5 percent of participants also had nasal congestion, a major symptom of sinus problems.

Lupus and Inflammation

Because lupus occurs when the body’s immune system and antibodies attack its own tissues, it causes inflammatory processes. If lupus affects the upper respiratory system, inflamed sinuses might be the result. At least one small study showed that people with lupus may have significant differences in their nasal passage tissue compared with people who don’t have lupus. Although these changes don’t occur in everyone with lupus and may not cause sinus symptoms, they may point to a link between sinus problems and lupus, as suggested by the 2016 findings.

Some people with lupus may also develop Sjögren’s syndrome. This inflammatory condition causes dryness in the eyes and mouth, which can spread to the nasal passages. Sinus problems aren’t a major symptom of Sjögren’s, but nasal dryness may contribute to sinus issues.

Lupus and Infection

People with lupus are also more prone to infection, including sinus infections, for a couple of reasons. First, having another illness on top of lupus makes the faulty immune system function even more poorly.

Second, some of the most effective treatments for lupus involve medications that further limit the immune system’s functioning, including immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids. In fact, people with lupus are more likely to get bacterial infections, which are likely to be worse for them than for people without the condition.

Avoiding Sinus Infections With Lupus

One of the best ways that people with lupus can avoid sinus problems is to avoid getting an infection — viral, fungal, or bacterial — in the first place. Here are some ways to protect yourself.

Get Vaccinated

Don’t skip your flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, or other preventive injections. These protective measures can make a huge difference if they help you avoid infections that cause sinus problems.

Wear a Mask or Avoid Crowds

If you’re worried about being exposed to an infection in a particular situation, wear a medical-grade protective mask around others who might be sick, or avoid crowded indoor gatherings. Although these guidelines are most commonly discussed in the context of COVID-19, they can be effective for avoiding all types of infections.

See Your Doctor Right Away

If you do get sick, monitor your symptoms carefully and see a doctor if you develop a fever (a body temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Your health care professional will be able to help you treat an infection — and ease sinus pain — quickly and effectively.

Managing Sinus Infections With Lupus

If you have a sinus infection, or if you have frequent sinus problems without an obvious infection, you can take a few actions to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life and overall well-being.

Find a Regimen That Works for You

Decongestants, allergy medications, nasal sprays, and more could help relieve your sinus problems. You may need to work with your doctor to find the right combination for your specific needs.

One member shared their regimen, stating: “First, I use a Vicks inhaler in each nostril.” Then they described a multistep process to keep their sinuses clear.

Strategies for relief vary across individuals, but it’s likely you can come up with a plan that works for you, too.

Try a Sinus Rinse

Some people find that rinsing with a special formula helps keep their sinuses clear and free of infection. “I also do a sinus rinse everyday in the shower,” mentioned one member.

Some rinses can be purchased over the counter, whereas others require a prescription.

Treat Lupus Effectively

If a sinus infection or inflammation seems to indicate a lupus flare, or a significant increase in disease activity, then treating your lupus effectively may help your upper respiratory system. You can talk to your doctor to figure out which approach is best for you. You may have to follow up with your rheumatologist several times to find the best treatment for your needs.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 223,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Are you living with recurrent sinus infections or related symptoms along with lupus? Do you have a favorite way to help clear your sinuses and get relief? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page