🍄 Fungal Sinusitis
Fungal sinusitis is a sinus infection caused by fungi, rather than bacteria or viruses. It can range from mild to severe, depending on the type and the person’s immune system.
🧬 Types:
- Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS):
- Non-invasive
- Caused by allergic reaction to fungi in sinuses
- Common in people with allergies or asthma
- Fungal ball (mycetoma):
- A clump of fungal growth in one sinus cavity
- Usually non-invasive and localized
- Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis:
- Slow-growing, invading sinus tissues
- Occurs in people with weakened immune systems
- Acute invasive fungal sinusitis:
- Rapid, aggressive infection
- A medical emergency, usually in immunocompromised patients
🩺 Symptoms:
- Nasal congestion or blockage
- Thick nasal discharge, sometimes with a foul smell
- Facial pain or pressure
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Fever (especially in invasive types)
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Nasal endoscopy to visualize sinuses
- Imaging (CT scan or MRI) to assess extent
- Laboratory tests and fungal cultures from sinus samples
- Biopsy in invasive cases
💊 Treatment:
- Allergic fungal sinusitis: corticosteroids, nasal irrigation, sometimes surgery to remove fungal debris
- Fungal ball: surgical removal (usually curative)
- Invasive fungal sinusitis: urgent antifungal medications and often surgery; requires hospitalization
⚠️ Complications:
- Spread of infection to eyes, brain, or other areas (especially in invasive types)
- Chronic sinus problems if untreated