Fungal Sinus Infections

Sinusitis develops when the sinuses become inflamed. This irritation can be due to a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic suggest there are a wide assortment of fungi in everyone's nasal passages. However some people may overreact to these plant-like organisms and develop chronic sinusitis.

Causes of Fungal Sinus Infections

• Sometimes environmental fungi can cause considerable nasal and sinus inflammation. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says fungal sinusitis is associated with molds that may come from both the indoor and outdoor environment. The signs and symptoms of fungal sinusitis are the same as chronic sinusitis. Neither condition responds to antibiotics.

Symptoms of Fungal Sinusitis

• Fungal sinusitis is diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination. The American Academy of Otolaryngology---Head and Neck Surgery says symptoms may include drainage of a thick discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat that is yellow or green in color.

  Nasal congestion due to fungal sinusitis may inhibit proper breathing through your nose. This condition may also cause pain and swelling around your eyes, nose forehead or cheeks, discomfort in the upper jaw and teeth and coughing. In some cases an ear ache, sore throat, fatigue, nausea and fowl breath (halitosis) also are present.

Types of Fungal Sinusitis

• According to the American Rhinologic Society, there are four types of fungal sinusitis. They are fungal ball, allergic fungal sinusitis, chronic invasive sinusitis and acute invasive sinusitis.

Fungal Ball

• A fungal ball is an overgrowth of fungal elements which typically occurs in the cheek (maxillary) sinus. This organism (aspergillus, a common environmental fungus) is often found in bread mold. People who develop a fungal ball may tend to have frequent sinus infections.

  Treatment includes a minimally invasive procure called endoscopic sinus surgery that removes the fungal ball. The cure rate is excellent.

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

• The most widespread type of fungal infection is called allergic fungal sinusitis. The fungi involved us normally found in the environment. An examination of the nose typically discovers basal polyps and thick drainage.

  Treatment of allergic fungal sinusitis includes removal of the fungal elements and sinus drainage. In most cases endoscopic sinus surgery is performed. In some cases treatment may also include the use of systemic or topical steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics, anti-fungal medications and allergy immunotherapy.

  There is a greater likelihood of recurrence than in fungal ball cases due in large part to the allergic sensitivity factor.

Acute Invasive Sinusitis

• Acute invasive sinusitis is the most uncommon and potentially fatal type of fungal sinusitis. Acute invasive fungal sinusitis develops at a fast pace and grows deep within the sinus tissues and bones. People who suffer from this condition generally have a deficient immune system. An examination of the nose will typically find mold spores and areas of dying tissue. X-rays will reveal swelling, sinus blockage and bone damage.

Chronic Invasive Sinusitis

• Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis acts in a similar fashion to acute invasive fungal sinusitis but grows as a much slower pace. The people who develop this type of sinusitis generally have a properly functioning immune system.

  Treatment for both acute and chronic invasive fungal sinusitis is combination of surgery and anti-fungal medications.