From the Research
Relationship Between Sinusitis and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- The relationship between sinusitis and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been investigated in several studies, with some suggesting a potential link between the two conditions 1, 2.
- A case-controlled study in general practice found that the rate of chronic sinusitis was significantly greater in patients with MS than in matched controls, and that MS and chronic sinus infection were also significantly associated in the timing of attacks, age at which patients suffered their attacks, and seasonal pattern of attacks 1.
- Another study found that the incidence of sinus disease in patients with MS was higher than in some other studies of normal populations, with the maxillary sinus being the most common sinus involved 2.
- However, not all studies have found a significant association between chronic sinus infection and MS, with one study finding no increase in relative risk of MS associated with the presence of chronic sinus infection 3.
- More recent research has suggested a potential link between nasal microbiota dysbiosis and the presence of MS, with studies showing a significant connection between the two 4.
- The hypothetical connection between chronic rhinosinusitis and MS has also been investigated, with some studies suggesting that a spirochaetal infection of the central nervous system could explain the specific pathological, immunological, and epidemiological features of MS 5.