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Can You Have a Fungus Infection in Your Sinuses?

More than 35 million people suffer from sinus infections every year in the U.S., according to HealthGuidance.org. There are three types of sinus infection: bacterial, viral and fungal. Fungus infections in the sinuses are rare and are easily overlooked, but are possible.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms of a fungus infection in the sinuses are easy to recognize because of their extreme nature. Unlike a common sinus infection, the symptoms of a fungal infection are a persistent sore throat, bouts of fever and an overwhelming feeling of sickness includes nausea, body chills and fatigue.

    Conditions

    • In order for a person to develop a fungal sinus infection, he or she must be exposed to high levels of fungus or mold growth. This is typical for areas of the world with high humidity levels. It is typically breathed in through the nose or mouth, or can be contracted through a hand touching the nose that has been in contact with fungus.

    Diagnosis

    • The most conclusive way to diagnose fungal sinusitis is with an x-ray of the sinus cavity.

    Prevention

    • Most fungus infections in the sinuses are the result of environmental factors. A person should kill all fungus and mold growth in and around the house (bathrooms, kitchen sinks and sidewalks). He should drink at least six 8-ounce servings of water daily and keep his house at a relative humidity of 40 percent, according to sinus expert Dr. Wellington S. Tichenor.

    Complications

    • Throat thrush is a common complication of a fungal sinus infection. It is an infection of the throat caused by the spread of the fungus. If a fungal sinus infection goes untreated, it can spread rapidly throughout the body and lead to hospitalization and even death. Fungal sinusitis rarely elevates to this level, according to Dr. Tichenor.

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