In 2010, 35 million Americans suffer from sinusitis, according to Doctor Murray Grossan, an ear, nose and throat specialist in Los Angeles. Sinus infections are categorized by either the time of their duration (acute, chronic or reoccurring) or by their cause (bacterial, viral or fungal). The most common sinus infections are caused by either bacterium, which is treated with a prescribed antibiotic, or viral, caused by the common cold. A sinus infection caused by fungus is uncommon and can easily go overlooked as a viral infection.
Facts
According to Merck, common fungus found in the daily environment may be found in a person's nasal passages and not cause any harm. In rare cases, some fungi may cause excessive inflammation to the sinus cavity, leading to an infection. Two of the most common fungi to cause sinus infections are Curvularia and Aspergillus. These fungi may be commonly found in the average person, but if a person has a weakened immune system or is allergic to a particular type of fungus, it can cause fungal sinusitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a fungal infection may be similar to that of a viral or bacterial sinus infection, such as sinus congestion, head pain, nasal discharge, fever and sinus pressure. Unlike the more common sinus infections, fungal sinusitis is a result of fungus balls developing in the nasal cavity and is treated by surgically removing the fungus balls. Some symptoms unique to fungal sinusitis are bouts of fever that come and go, painful sore throat caused by thrush and low levels of energy.
Types
A fungal sinus infection may be the result of an allergic reaction to certain fungi and mold spores. The allergic reaction causes the body to release high levels of histamine in the body, causing common allergic responses such as nasal inflammation. A person suffering from an allergic reaction to fungi, leading to a sinus infection, should clear his home of any mold, mildew or fungus around the house. Use an air purifier to prevent airborne particles from triggering a reaction.
Fungal sinus infections may also be the result of a rare condition called invasive fungal sinusitis. Invasive fungal sinusitis is commonly found in people with compromised immune systems suffering from immune deficiency disorders such as HIV. In this extreme case, a person will have to be hospitalized and administered anti-fungal drugs intravenously.
Diagnoses and Treatment
Most diagnoses and treatment are determined by a doctor using x-rays. An x-ray is the only way to diagnose and confirm that a sinus infection is the result of fungus. Treatment for a sinus infection caused by fungus is anti-fungal medication and possible surgery.
Prevention
To prevent a fungal sinus infection, maintain a strong immune system by drinking at least six 8-oz. glasses of water a day, eating a well-balanced diet and getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. If the fungal sinusitis is the result of an allergy to fungus or mold, remove all possible allergens and maintain a mold-free environment in your home.
