Candida albicans, a type of yeast, is one of several organisms that can cause invasive fungal sinus infections, or sinusitis. According to the University of Maryland Medical School, sinus infections can happen when you catch a cold virus. This sets the stage by inflaming your sinuses. The congestion and clogging of your sinuses creates a situation that favors the growth of fungi or bacteria. According to the University of Texas Health and Science Center, the overgrowth of Candida in the sinuses usually only happens to people whose immune system is weakened or who have a history of frequent sinusitis. It's important to seek medical advice if you think you have Candida sinusitis because the condition can be fatal if left untreated. Treatment involves administration of anti-fungal medications. It's difficult to distinguish Candida sinusitis from other forms of sinusitis without medical testing.
Sinus Pain
Sinuses are air-filled cavities that lie inside your forehead and cheekbones, and between your eyes. When sinuses become infected with Candida or other organisms, they become inflamed and swollen. This pressure causes pain where the sinuses are located.
Nasal Discharge
Sinuses drain mucus into a channel that opens into the nose. When sinuses are infected, the drainage increases, causing a stuffy nose. The color of the drainage with sinusitis is usually yellow or greenish. It can also be streaked with blood.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are common during sinus infections. They happen when the infection causes a loss of blood from the membranes that line the nose. Although it can be difficult to tell when your nose is congested, there are two types of nosebleeds. Bleeding near the front of the nose is considered an anterior nosebleed. Blood flows from one or both nostrils. It may also flow into your throat. Posterior nosebleeds are considered more serious. They involve bleeding from the back of the nose. Bleeding can be either rapid or slow. If the blood flows back into your throat, you might cough it up.
Fever
Fevers occur when your body is trying to fight off infection. Any body temperature measuring above 98.6 degrees F is considered a fever. Fevers can be accompanied by other symptoms such as sweating, facial flushing, fast breathing and even shivering. The American Medical Association recommends consulting a doctor if your fever lasts more than three days, especially if it's accompanied by the other symptoms of Candida sinusitis.
Other Symptoms
Other signs of Candida sinusitis include swelling of the soft tissues in your face, headache, tiredness, seizures and fuzzy thinking.
