History of Sinus Infections Can Indicate Future Development of Rheumatic Diseases

A history of chronic sinus infections increases your risk of later developing rheumatic diseases that affect joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones, new research finds.

These diseases affect women more often than men and many of them are autoimmune, meaning the immune system attacks its own tissues. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, and swelling of the musculoskeletal system—and rheumatic diseases can also affect internal organs.

A study published in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases in February strengthens the association between sinusitis and rheumatoid diseases. The authors concluded that not only is sinusitis biologically linked to many other conditions, but it could be like a match lighting an inflammatory fire.

The population-based research found the odds of developing any rheumatoid disease were 40 percent higher among those with a history of sinusitis, with the chances rising among those with multiple infections.

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