So what exactly is “sinus fungal infection? Sinus infection is a typical disease that involves blocking and inflammation of both the nasal and paranasal sinuses. There are different types of fungal sinusitis, each characterized by the type of mold and the nature of the symptoms. Sometimes the fungus can spread quickly through the body and cause life-threatening complications. There are nearly 50,000 types of fungi, but only a few have been proven to cause diseases in humans. In many cases, these fungi coexist in a natural state, as well as other microorganisms, inside our body.
Types of Fungal sinusitis
- Fungal ball
- Allergic fungal sinusitis
- Acute invasive sinusitis
- Chronic invasive sinusitis
Fungal Ball
A fungal ball is a proliferation of fungal elements that usually occurs in the cheek or maxillary sinus. The organisms involved come from the bread-maker family known as Aspergillus. Treatments include removal of the fungal ball, and in most cases, endoscopic sinus surgery.
Allergic fungal sinusitis
This is the most popular type of fungal sinus infection. The fungi involved are usually of the Dematiaceae family, including Curvularia, Alternaria, and Bipolaris. The symptoms may be the same as bacterial sinusitis. Nasal polyps and thick mucus are found in the nasal cavities during the examination. Treatment of this kind of fungal sinusitis may include removal of fungal elements and restoration of sinus drainage.
Chronic and Acute invasive sinusities
Chronic and acute invasive fungal sinus infections are the most serious types of fungal infections of the sinuses, but fortunately, they are the least common type. Acute invasive fungal sinusitis involves an advanced process and grows mini deep into sinus bones and tissues. Invasive fungal chronic sinusitis is similar, but slower to infection. Those who often have acute invasive sinusitis are those with weakened immune systems, such as patients with uncontrolled diabetes or those who have just undergone chemotherapy. On the other hand, those who are sensitive to chronic invasive sinusitis are those with normal immune systems.
Like other sinus infections, the symptoms of this conditions can also be similar to bacterial sinusitis. The area of infection can extend well beyond the nasal cavity and sinuses. Regarding the treatment of these type of fungal sinusitis, a combination of anti-fungal drugs and surgery may be needed.
