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Is your chronic sinusitis unresponsive to antibiotics and other drugs? If it is, you might want to go for second opinion as you may be suffering from fungal infection of the sinuses. Fungal infection is brought about by plant-like organisms called fungi, which thrive in warm and humid climates. This makes the dark and moist cavities of the sinuses a perfect breeding ground for these organisms. More About Fungal Sinusitis Anyone can suffer from fungal sinusitis, as it is often called. However, those with weak immune system have a higher chance of contracting this disease especially those with diabetes, AIDS, and other chronic diseases. For those with strong immune system, fungal infections are usually benign and non-invasive. But it is often invasive and can spread to other neighboring structures for those who are immuno-suppressed. There are four types of fungal sinusitis: - Allergic fungal sinusitis is an allergic reaction to fungi found in the environment. It usually manifests through symptoms such as nasal blockage and discharge. Some patients can also develop nasal polyps. - Mycetoma or fungal ball is a condition where fungal colonies develop and occupy the cavities of the sinuses, more commonly in the maxillary or sphenoid. Symptoms include stuffiness, nasal blockage, and discharge which is one-sided. - Acute fulminant fungal sinusitis is a fast spreading infection wherein the nasal tissues turn black and necrotic. If not treated rapidly, it can be fatal or spread to the eyes and brains. Patients may experience severe headaches, fever, facial pain, nasal blockage and discharge. - Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis is similar to the previous type, but spreads more slowly and doesn’t have the acute and toxic symptoms. It has all the features of chronic sinusitis but does not respond to antibiotic treatment. Diagnosing and Treating Fungal Sinusitis Different types of sinusitis usually manifest through the same symptoms – headache, facial pain, nasal blockage and discharge. But if the facial pain is so severe and it is accompanied by dark-colored discharge, fungal sinusitis is often the diagnosis. A CT scan is recommended to properly identify the condition. For the non-invasive type of fungal sinusitis, surgical removal of the fungal ball or polyps is often recommended. Corticosteroids are also helpful against allergic fungal sinusitis. As for the invasive type, anti-fungal drugs are necessary along with surgical removal of dead tissues. It is also necessary to treat the immune deficiency. Patients suffering from fungal sinusitis can also make use of the latest forms of treatment such as nebulized therapy and medicated irrigation. Here are some helpful information regarding this forms of treatment: - Nebulized therapy entails administering medication using a nebulizer. Treatment is topical, with very little chance of medication being absorbed into the blood stream, reducing side effects. Anti-fungal sinus medication is usually inhaled, travelling deep into the cavities directly onto the site of infection. Compared to oral medications, relief is faster with fewer side effects. - Medicated irrigation is another option to consider. This treatment entails irrigation of the nasal passages with saline and medicated solution. It moisturizes the nasal cavities as well as washes out unwanted particles trapped inside the sinuses like bacteria and molds. For more information, visit http://www.sinusdynamics.com/
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