Fungal Sinusitis Q&A

Q: Is Fungal Sinusitis Common?

A: The fungi that cause fungal sinusitis include the most common varieties of fungi we know, such as the common bread molds. Furthermore, these fungal elements are found almost anywhere - in the soil and even in the air we breathe. Quite surprisingly though, there are more diagnosed cases of bacterial, compared to fungal sinusitis, especially when considering the acute cases (acute means the onset of manifestations is sudden or abrupt). The reason for this is thatmost people with a healthy immune system can tolerate fungi. Minimal exposure to offending fungi would normally not trigger an inflammatory response. Only certain people, because of their underlying medical conditions are at greater risk for fungal sinusitis. This group includes those who have hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to the causative mold; those with prolonged exposure to an environment contaminated with fungi; and finally, those patients which have a weakened immune system like those who have diabetes, cancer or AIDS.

 

Q: How Do You Know It's Fungal Sinusitis?

A: The general manifestations of fungal sinusitis are in fact, similar to bacterial sinusitis. However, a visit to your trusted health practitioner can help work-out a differential diagnosis. Your doctor will probably ask you some questions in order to come up with a medical history. A history of exposure to fungal elements; repetitive bouts with sinusitis; and unresponsiveness to antibiotic therapy provide important cues that it could be a case of fungal sinusitis.

 

The doctor can also order for diagnostic tests like a nasal or throat swab for culture; and imaging tests like x-ray or CT-scan to visualize the paranasal sinuses and nearby structures.  Imaging studies are also useful in identifying the case of fungal sinusitis as to its specific type - whether fungal ball, allergic fungal sinusitis, acute or chronic invasive fugal sinusitis.

 

Q: What's the Treatment Plan?

A:  The treatment plan for fungal sinusitis is unfortunately one that could be very frustrating for the patient and even for a doctor because it is usually long term and takes a great deal of patient compliance in order to be effective. The thing here is fungi are very resistant organisms. Just like in cases of fungal diseases of the skin or nails, the fungi must be totally eliminated. Otherwise, exposure to an environment which is conducive for the growth of fungi would easily result into a re-infection.  In the case of fungal sinusitis, treatment with decongestants and nasal corticosteroids to abate the swelling of the sinuses and nasal passages and decrease the mucus secretion remains to be an important part of the regimen. Antibacterials, however, are not normally given to treat fungal sinusitis, unless there is a cross or mix infection. Agents that act against fungi, known as anti-mycotics or simply anti-fungals are prescribed. Anti-fungals are quite expensive and therefore must be taken strictly as prescribed. As a last resort, especially in cases of invasive fungal sinusitis, sinus surgery can be performed to correct the anatomic damage and to remove the fungal elements.

 

Sinus Dynamics, a leading pharmaceutical company, has its complete line of medications for bacterial and fungal sinusitis and even allergic rhinitis. They also manufacture highly efficient nebulizers and medicated irrigators to facilitate quick and easy treatment.

 

 

 

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For more information on Sinus Dynamics and their products, log on to http://www.sinusdynamics.com

What is Fungal Sinusitis?

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.

 

 

 

 

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For more information, visit http://www.sinusdynamics.com/