1. Sinus Infections Are a Common Symptom
Sinusitis forms when the sinus cavities become inflamed as a result of an upper respiratory infection such as a cold or allergies. Fungal sinusitis develops when you inhale organisms, such as mold spores, into the nasal passageways for extended periods of time, causing inflammation. These fungal organisms can come from mold found in dust, building materials, plants and decaying fruits and vegetables. The dark, moist location of the sinuses makes it easy for some patients to develop fungal sinusitis. There are noninvasive as well as invasive forms of fungal sinusitis. Noninvasive remains in the sinus area, while invasive spreads to nearby tissues.
2. Recognize the Classifications
Classifications of invasive fungal sinusitis include acute and chronic. Acute invasive fungal sinusitis advances quickly into the bones and tissues around the sinuses. It also targets people with illnesses such as diabetes or with weakened immune systems such as chemotherapy patients. Although rare, acute invasive sinusitis can be dangerous because it eats into living tissue and affects the blood vessels, the central nervous system and eyes. Chronic invasive sinusitis, on the other hand, affects people with healthy immune systems. It's similar to the acute version, but the infection spreads slower. Acute invasive fungal sinusitis develops within three weeks after a previous infection, while patients with chronic invasive sinusitis may have suffered from a sinus infection for three months or more.
3. Symptoms Affect the Eyes and Head
You may be suffering from acute invasive fungal sinusitis if you experience facial swelling, numbness or pain, coughing, fever and a persistent headache. Other symptoms include nasal discharge, mental status and vision changes, and ulcers of the nasal canal. Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis may be present if you're suffering from long-term congestion, nasal drainage and pressure in the nose, behind the eyes and on the forehead. Decreased vision is also associated with chronic invasive fungal sinusitis because fungi have collected in the eye area.
4. Radiology, Biopsy Confirm Invasive Fungal Sinusitis
The doctor checks for dead or infected tissue, mold spores and thick mucus drainage by examining the nose and face. Swelling around the face, destruction of sinus tissues and bones, and sinus blockages appear on X-rays, MRIs or CT scans, which help detect acute invasive fungal sinusitis. To diagnose chronic invasive sinusitis, a biopsy tests for infection of the sinuses as well as surrounding tissues.
5. Surgery Reduces Complications
Acute and chronic invasive fungal sinusitis require emergency surgery to remove infected and dead tissues around the sinuses. Doctors perform a procedure called the expanded endonasal approach to treat the sinuses, skull area and nasal cavity. Afterward, the patient must follow up with prescribed antifungal medications and remain under the doctor's care to prevent recurrences.
