Fungi are amazing; they can live virtually anywhere on Earth. No matter where you are on the planet, you’ll find fungi wherever you go. Examples of fungi include mushrooms, yeast, mildew, and mold. If you’re in good health, the effects of fungi exposure will be so minute that you won’t notice. However, those who are allergic or have an immunological disorder could develop Fungal Sinusitis, also known as a fungal sinus infection. The severity can range from discomfort to severe reactions requiring medical intervention. This article will examine the causes of fungal sinus infections and what you need to know about this illness.
The Facts about Fungal Sinus Infections
• This sinus infection is caused by exposure to fungi spores.
• It’s different from other forms of sinusitis, like those caused by pollen.
• Those with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop Fungal Sinusitis.
• Fungal sinusitis can come from many different fungi; luckily, invasive spores that can cause serious issues are rare.
The Different Types of Fungal Sinusitis
Fungal sinus infections are categorized into two groups, invasive and noninvasive. Noninvasive types are the most common, primarily impacting the sinuses and nasal passages.
Noninvasive fungal sinus infection subtypes include:
• Fungal ball (FB)
• Saprophytic fungal sinusitis (SFS)
• Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS)
• Invasive infection subtypes include:
• Acute invasive rhinosinusitis (AIRS)
• Chronic invasive rhinosinusitis (CIRS)
• Granulomatous invasive sinusitis (GIFS)
What are the Symptoms?
The biggest challenge to diagnosing Fungal Sinusitis is the symptoms are almost identical to typical sinus infections.
Common symptoms include:
• Congestion
• Facial pressure and pain
• Foul-smelling nasal discharge
• Acute loss of smell and taste
• Fever
• Headache
Fungal Sinusitis Can Reoccur
The most significant indicator that a sinus infection is fungal in nature is the chronic return of symptoms. It’s common for this condition to reoccur, requiring more treatment or surgery to remove the fungus. With proper testing, treatment can be tailored to each case.