Sinusitis and Diabetes: Is There a Link? - Diabetes Self Management

If you find that you often have a runny or stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, and/or constant headaches, you may have what is known as sinusitis. Sinusitis can make you feel miserable. And if you have diabetes, you may have a higher risk of developing a certain type of sinusitis that can affect your sense of smell.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinuses near the nose, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. You have four paired sinus cavities, or spaces, in your head:

Frontal (lower forehead)
Maxillary (cheekbones)
Ethmoid (beside the upper nose)
Sphenoid (behind the nose)

The sinus cavities are interconnected, and they produce mucus that drains out of the nose channels to help keep the nose clean and free of bacteria.

Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses get blocked with fluid, making your nose stuffy. The fluid buildup can allow viruses and bacteria to grow, leading to infection, and the tissue lining the sinuses becomes swollen or inflamed as a result of the infection. Sinusitis is also called rhinosinusitis.

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What are the different types of sinusitis?

There are three types of sinusitis, according to MedlinePlus:

Acute sinusitis, when symptoms are present for four weeks or less. This is caused by bacteria.
Subacute sinusitis, when symptoms and swelling of the sinuses are present from one to three months.
Chronic sinusitis, when symptoms and swelling of the sinuses are present for more than three months. This may be caused by bacteria or a fungus.

What are the risk factors for sinusitis?

It's estimated that about 31 million people in the U.S. have sinusitis. Several factors can raise the risk of getting a sinus infection:

Having a cold
Seasonal allergies
Asthma
Cystic fibrosis
Dental infections
Deviated septum
Nose injuries
Nasal polyps
Large adenoids
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
Diving and swimming
A weakened immune system, or taking medicines that weaken the immune system

What is the link between sinusitis and diabetes?

According to a study published in the journal Clinical Otolaryngology, people who have diabetes and whose blood sugars are not well managed are at a higher risk for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps. The researchers found that people with diabetes were 54% more likely to have CRS compared with people who didn't have diabetes. And "people with diabetes were 80% more likely to experience a loss of smell that lasts for longer than three months," writes Quinn Phillips, a writer for DiabetesSelfManagement.com.

In general, people who have diabetes have higher blood sugar levels, which increases the risk of infection, including infection of the sinuses. People with diabetes may also be more prone to oral yeast infections, which can spread to the nasal cavity. Also, having diabetes raises the risk of developing fungal sinusitis. Most noninvasive fungal sinus infections are easily treated. However, invasive fungal sinus infections, if not treated, can spread to the eyes and brain, leading to blindness and even death.

What are the signs and symptoms of sinusitis?

Typical symptoms of sinusitis include:

Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Facial pain or pressure
Pain or aching in the upper jaw and teeth
Headache
Post-nasal drip
Sore throat
Cough
Bad breath
Fever
Fatigue
Swollen eyes

Chronic and acute sinusitis cause similar symptoms, but acute sinusitis is temporary and often occurs due to having a cold. Also, you may have a fever if you have acute sinusitis, but not with chronic sinusitis.

Serious complications from sinusitis are rare, but may include:

Vision problems, if the infection spreads to the eye socket
Meningitis
Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Abscess

It's important to seek immediate medical attention if you have:

Vision changes
Shortness of breath
Severe headache
Swelling or redness around the eyes
Fever
 Stiff neck
Confusion

If you have diabetes and have any of the above signs and symptoms, see your provider promptly to determine the cause and get started on treatment.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms, check for any pain or tenderness in your nose or face, and look inside your nose, ears, and throat. They may order certain tests, as well, such as:

Imaging tests (CT scan or MRI) of your sinuses
X-rays of the sinuses
Using an endoscope to look inside your nose
Taking cultures of your nasal discharge
Blood tests
Checking for allergies

You might also be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or an allergist.

How is sinusitis treated?

Treating sinusitis depends on how severe the case is. For example, a simple case of sinusitis may be treated with decongestants, over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, nasal saline irrigation, and drinking a lot of fluids, says the Cleveland Clinic.

However, if symptoms aren't improving after 10 days, your provider may prescribe an antibiotic, oral or topical decongestants, and/or prescription steroid nasal sprays.

If you have chronic sinusitis, you may be prescribed:

Allergy medicines or allergy shots
Antifungal treatment (if the infection is caused by fungi)
Steroid nasal sprays
Medicines to treat nasal polyps

If sinusitis isn't improving with any of the above treatments, you may need surgery to remove tissue or polyps that are causing the blockage, or to enlarge a narrow sinus opening to allow fluid to drain.

What lifestyle steps can help you feel better?

Whether or not you've been prescribed medications, the following can make you feel better and relieve symptoms:

Getting enough rest
Using a warm compress over your nose and forehead
Taking a hot shower and breathing in warm, moist air
Using a humidifier
Rinsing out nasal passages with a saline spray

Can you prevent sinusitis?

You can lower your risk of sinusitis by:

Reducing the risk of upper respiratory infections by keeping up with recommended vaccines and avoiding contact with people who are sick
Washing your hands regularly
Managing allergies
Avoiding smoke and polluted air
Using a humidifier

Want to learn more about diabetes and the nose? Read "The Nose Knows: Diabetes and Smell Disorders."

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