While fungus can cause sinus infections, most people with a healthy immune system will get better without treatment. However, in certain cases, the fungus can invade the surrounding brain and orbital (eye) area, which can lead to serious morbidity & mortality.While fungal infections can be serious, thankfully, most fungal infections are not life-threatening. It is important to receive timely, effective treatment for fungal sinusitis.
1. There are two classifications of fungal sinusitis: non-invasive and invasive !
Non-invasive sinusitis is typically limited to the nasal and sinus area.
Invasive sinusitis occurs when the fungus spreads to local tissues.
Non-invasive fungal infections are much more common than invasive ones.
2. Over the past 30 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of fungal infections !
This is due to overuse of antibiotics and the increase in immunosuppressive therapies to prevent organ rejection for those who have received transplants.
3. There are four types of fungal sinusitis !
Mycetoma fungal sinusitis which creates a “fungal ball” within a sinus cavity.
Allergic fungal sinusitis is an allergic reaction to fungi that are located in the environment.
Chronic indolent sinusitis is an invasive form of sinusitis that affects the paranasal sinuses.
Fulminant sinusitis is seen in those with immune system problems. It can progressively destroy the sinuses and invade the areas around the eyeballs and the brain.
4. Treatment most commonly involves endoscopic sinus surgery !
This is a minimally invasive form of surgery using an endoscope, which has an in built high definition camera chip attached with a cold light source , that allows the surgeon to see easily inside the nose. This method eliminates the need for external incisions on the facial area or around the mouth.
5. The following groups, are at greater risk of developing complications from fungal sinusitis !
§ HIV positive individuals
§ Patients on immunosuppressant drugs
§ Organ transplant recipients
§ In house hospitalized patients or currently facing an illness or infection
§ Patients on chemotherapy treatment regimen
How to avoid fungal sinusitis
The only way to avoid the disease complete is to avoid fungi. Remember, only an ENT surgeon can accurately determine the cause of your sinus infection with / without presence of fungus and recommend proper treatment.
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KEYWORDS: FUNGAL SINUSITIS, FUNGUS, SINUS INFECTIONS, IMMUNE SYSTEM, NASAL AND SINUS AREA, FUNGAL INFECTIONS, IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE, MYCETOMA FUNGAL SINUSITIS, ALLERGIC FUNGAL SINUSITIS, CHRONIC INDOLENT SINUSITIS, PARANASAL SINUSES, FULMINANT SINUSITIS, ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY.
For further queries about the infections, diseases, and treatments of the ear, nose or throat, Dr Mohanty’s Speciality ENT Clinics in Chennai, India can help in a number of ways,
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US :
Dr Mohanty’s Speciality ENT Clinics
Manapakkam, Chennai, India.
For Consultation: +91 97910 74677
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