Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a common kind of sinus fungal infection. Infectious fungi are found in the environment and create an allergic reaction, resulting in thick fungal debris, sticky mucus, and sinus blockage. Although AFS can occur at any age, allergic fungal sinusitis is more common in adolescents and young adults. AFS patients may develop allergies, nasal polyps, and asthma. Most patients acquire chronic sinusitis as a result of the disease, which can affect their sense of smell. If left untreated, this illness can cause eyeball displacement and eyesight loss.
Symptoms
Fungal sinusitis symptoms are similar to those of sinusitis caused by a viral or bacterial infection. An inflammatory reaction develops after the initial exposure during normal nasal breathing, creating tissue edoema. This causes sinus blockage and a slowdown in sinus drainage, creating an ideal habitat for the fungus to grow. Common symptoms of fungal sinusitis may include:
- facial pressure
- nasal congestion
- bad taste in the mouth
- postnasal drip
- loss of sense of smell
In some cases, symptoms of invasive fungal sinusitis tend to progress and become more serious. Less common symptoms that may occur include:
- facial swelling of the eyelids and cheeks
- pale-looking skin
- fever
- numbness of the face
- headache
Diagnosis
A reliable diagnosis of fungal sinusitis is the presence of allergic mucin (a type of mucoproteins seen in secretions and tissue). A sample of mucus is sent to a laboratory to be checked for fungus. In order to confirm a positive or negative diagnosis of AFS, patients may be checked for invasive fungal sinusitis, saprophytic fungal growth, mycetoma, aspergilloma, fungus ball of the sinuses, and eosinophilicmucin sinusitis.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for fungal sinusitis is the surgical removal of thick fungal debris and muci in infected sinuses. Steroids may be given both before and after the procedure. Fungal sinusitis recurrence is not uncommon, and patients may require repeated procedures. Immunotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication may also be used to eliminate fungus colonies. Antifungal medication and frequent follow-up appointments will help prevent another infection.
Don’t wait since fungal sinus infections can get worse before they get better. You could receive treatment to help you recover faster. Visit Mayom Hospital for ENT issues. . The Best Hospital in Gurgaon is responsible for providing the best in class treatments for our patients, with a firm emphasis placed on patient care and their well-being.
