Fungal Sinusitis Treatments

Sinusitis has dramatically increased in the last decade with over 37 million Americans suffering at least one bout annually as of 2009. A variety of conventional and alternative treatments are available to treat the symptoms of fungal sinusitis.

Types

• According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, there are four types of fungal sinusitis: Allergic Fungal Sinusitis (AFS), Chronic Indolent Sinusitis, Fulminant Sinusitis, and Mycetoma Fungal Sinusitis.

Causes

• Fungi thrives in dark, damp environments making the dark, moist sinus cavities an ideal breeding ground for invading fungi. The increase in fungal infections may be caused by an overuse of antibiotics, and new immunosuppressive medications.

Conventional

• Treatment depends on the type of fungal sinusitis. These treatments include anti-inflammatory medical therapy and immunotherapy for AFS, surgical removal of the fungal material and intravenous anti-fungal therapy for fulminant, and chronic indolent sinusitis, and scraping of the infected sinus for mycetoma fungal sinusitis.

Alternative

• Alternative treatments include Cranial-Sacral Manipulation for structural problems, acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies. Also recommended to reduce duration of the infection is echinacea, as well as vitamin C, Biflavonoids, and bromelain taken with applications of wet heat.

Warning

• Herbs, vitamins and minerals are all considered dietary supplements by the FDA. Dietary supplements are not subject to the same quality control as drugs.