1. Allergic Fungal Sinusitis: An Allergy or a Fungus?
Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is thought to be a reaction, which is allergic in nature, to certain types of environmental fungus, which is aerosolized. This condition seems to develop in people who have a compromised immune system, such as those people who are HIV positive or those with diabetes. Most people who develop this appear to have had a long history of allergic type symptoms consisting of nasal inflammation, nasal discharge (runny nose) and itchy, watery eyes and nose.
2. The Physiology of AFS
During the course of this disorder, the sinus cavities become severely clogged with thick mucus, which causes a fungal type of material to develop. When this occurs, a person must undergo a surgical procedure to remove this material as well as the agent, which is causing the signs and symptoms of the allergic reaction. Unfortunately, AFS commonly reoccurs in many individuals, which has caused a surge in the research community to enhance studies on anti-inflammatory medication as well as the use of immunotherapy to prevent any types of reoccurrence and lessen the degree of severity of the symptoms that accompany this disorder.
3. The Identifying Features of AFS
Only recently did researchers feel that AFS was different from other types of sinusitis based on evidence seen in many patient's x-rays, which indicated a type of fullness in the sinus areas. Certain laboratory findings indicating mucin and inflammation characteristic of an allergic reaction were also noted to be a commonality. Of note is the blood result finding of high amounts of eosinophils, which are key blood components that contain proteins to help your body to fight infection.
4. Signs and Symptoms of AFS
Patients with AFS usually have signs and symptoms of airway obstruction in the nasal cavity area, runny nose, itchy eyes, tearing, chronic types of nasal congestion, postnasal types of discharge and frequent headaches representing those seen when there is rising sinus pressure. Unfortunately, the development of any of these symptoms is a very gradual process, and in many cases, the person affected does not even notice is development until the disorder is well entrenched in the person affected.
5. Hope for Treatment
Many patients who develop this disorder do show a hypersensitivity type of allergic reaction but have not been able to get any relief from medications such as antihistamines, steroids sprayed into the nose and other types of immunotherapy. It has been noted that some use of corticosteroids given systemically can give some relief of the symptoms
