When you’re living with lupus, it can be hard to figure out whether your symptoms are connected with the condition itself or if they might point to another condition. MyLupusTeam members often share their concerns about sinus issues, such as sinus pressure and sinus infections. But in addition to common symptoms such as joint pain and rashes, can lupus cause sinus problems?

If you have a sinus infection and wonder if it’s related to lupus, here’s what you need to know. As always, your doctor is the best person to help you understand 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 in your forehead, under your eyes, and around your nose. Normally, they fill with air as you breathe. When they’re infected, though, they can’t fill up with air because they’re blocked.

Sinus infections may cause symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Postnasal drip (mucus traveling down your throat)
• Runny nose
• Stuffiness
• Pressure or pain near the eyes, nose, teeth, or ears
• 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 depends on its cause.

What Does a Sinus Infection Feel Like With Lupus?

On MyLupusTeam, questions like “Does anyone else deal with nonstop sinus pressure and drainage?” receive many answers. Several members have shared their experiences with lupus and chronic sinusitis as well as lupus and sinus drainage:

• “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 make sinus problems worse. 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,” they shared.

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 MyLupusTeam member 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.”

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

How Are Sinus Infections and Lupus Connected?

There is some connection between lupus and sinus problems. One small 2016 study of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) — the most common form of lupus — showed that 31.5 percent of participants had nasal congestion, a major symptom of sinus problems.

Lupus and Inflammation

When the body’s immune system and antibodies target its tissues in people with lupus, it creates inflammation. If lupus affects the upper respiratory system, inflamed sinuses might be the result. One small study showed that sinus blockage may be directly related to the level of disease activity in people with 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 are immunosuppressant medications, which weaken the immune system even more. Use of both corticosteroids (steroids) and biologics (medicine made from living cells) may be risk factors for infection. Steroids, such as prednisone, can make you more likely to get an infection — higher doses and longer use increase this risk further. Meanwhile, infection is a common side effect of treatment with biologics because of how they change the immune system.

In general, people with lupus are more prone 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

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, it’s important to keep up with 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 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 healthcare provider 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 needs.

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

If you choose to use decongestants, try to limit your use to less than seven days to avoid “rebound congestion” — nasal passage irritation and inflammation due to overuse of decongestants.

Strategies for relief vary across individuals, but you can likely 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 every day in the shower,” mentioned one member.

Some rinses can be purchased over the counter, whereas others require a prescription. It is best to discuss this with your treating rheumatologist to find the right match.

Treat Lupus Effectively

If a sinus infection or inflammation seems to be a sign of a lupus flare, or increased disease activity, treating your lupus properly may help your sinuses. Talk to your doctor to find the right approach for you. You may need to see your rheumatologist a few times to find the best treatment.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 235,000 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 clear your sinuses and get relief? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.