Fungal Sinus Infection

Many infections start out as minor inconveniences. With care, individuals often think the symptoms will go away on their own. If caught soon enough, some home remedies may help prevent them. Usually, it requires antibiotics and complimentary treatments to get rid of a bacterial infection. But, for those with a fungal sinus infection that does not go away with home remedies, it is extremely important to seek medical care. Left untreated, it can cause serious illness or worse.

Fungi

As surprising as it may seem, the body can harbor natural fungi that is not harmful. It will not cause illness or disease. But, if there is a fungus that gets out of control, and the body can’t fight it off, it can cause serious health issues. One such problem is a fungal sinus infection.

According to the American Rhinologic Society, there are four different types of sinus infections that can be attributed to fungi like Aspergillus. Caught early, home remedies may relieve the symptoms and take care of the problem. However, if left untreated, a doctor may diagnose:

1. Invasive Acute and Chronic Sinusitis
2. Fungal Ball
3. Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

When a sinus infection lasts several weeks, and the plethora of home treatments remains ineffective, it is time to seek professional help. A doctor can determine if the sinus trouble is related to a bacterial infection that is treated with antibiotics; or, the infection is fungal-based and would not respond well to antibiotics.

Invasive Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

Invasive Acute Sinusitis is the most danger form of fungal sinus infection. In fact, it often becomes a fatal illness. This malady can actually destroy bone and spread to areas of the body, other than the sinuses. It is fast growing. It is a rare form of sinusitis that normally occurs with patients that already have compromised immune systems. For example people who are undergoing chemotherapy or have severe diabetes are more likely to suffer this disease. To get rid of the infection may require both surgery and anti-fungal medication. So, individuals who have poor immunity should see their physicians promptly, if they suspect a sinus infection.

Fungal Ball

The maxillary sinuses are the cavities above the cheekbones. People with recurrent sinus infections have a greater tendency to be diagnosed with a fungal ball in this area of the sinuses. The fungus collects until the sinuses are blocked and unable to drain. Although the fungi will not damage the bone, it will have to be removed. After tests to confirm the problem, a doctor will order endoscopy sinus surgery. After removal, a prescription to get rid of the remaining fungus will be ordered.

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

For individuals with frequent sinus ailments, allergic fungal sinusitis is probably the most common fungal sinus infection. Patients with the malady will often have recurring illness. It might be necessary to institute long-term treatment programs to keep the infection at bay.

Patients may need to regularly irrigate their sinuses with a salt and warm water solution, take anti-fungal medications, and take antibiotics, or some other treatment, in order to stay healthy. If a sinus infection does occur, medical tests will check for a fungal ball that may need to be surgically removed, before prescribing medications.

Unfortunately, allergic fungal sinusitis is so common simply because the culprits are common household allergens. It is hard, if not impossible, to rid the environment of the microscopic organisms that will cause the sinuses to flare up, swell, and start creating so much mucus that nasal passages are blocked. Doctors can recommend home remedies to help prevent or lessen infections. But, for most patients, it is a lifelong health concern.

A fungal sinus infection can be particularly difficult to treat. At first, it will likely appear to be a regular bacterial infection of the sinuses. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics, only to be surprised when the patient returns, because the sinus problem has not gone away. Upon further examination, it becomes very apparent that this is not the typical sinus ailment. Many patients will require minor endoscopic surgery to remove the fungus, before an anti-fungal medication. In most cases, it will have been brought on by allergies to dust, pollen, or other common pollutants in the environment. So, it is not uncommon for some patients to have frequently recurring infections. It might be necessary to recommend home remedies for sinus care, in the hopes of preventing another infection for as long as possible. Some patients will have life-long difficulties with their sinuses and need frequent medical attention. So, for those patients who have suffered more than one fungal sinus infection, it is a good idea to talk to their doctor about long-term treatment options. It can literally save a lot of headaches in the future.

Chronic Sinus Infection

Having a sudden onset sinus infection is bad enough; but, the majority of people with allergies and related illnesses also suffer from chronic sinus infection.  Thus, it becomes a lifelong medical condition.  Individuals have to be constantly vigilant, when it comes to their sinuses, so they can prevent flair ups and recognize the symptoms of an impending infection, before it causes debilitating symptoms.

Chronic Causes

For patients with chronic sinus infections, the pain and discomfort can adversely affect their quality of life for months at a time.  The sinuses are resistant to any treatment efforts, and it seems like the symptoms will never go away.  Sufferers may feel like they keeps tissue companies in business, because they are always blowing their noses.  In addition, they likely have ever-present pain and swollen sensations around their sinus cavities.  Frequent headaches are also a common complaint.

Chronic sinus infection can be debilitating.  It makes it difficult to concentrate and go about daily living.  Many people simply want to close their eyes and go to bed, where they can suffer in peace.  However, knowing the causes will help doctors know how to treat the sinuses and hopefully get rid of the chronic pain.  The cause may be:

• Infections
• Deviated septum
• Nasal polyps

Infections

The first thing most people think, when they start suffering the symptoms of sinus trouble is that they have another infection.  So, they make an appointment to see the doctor, so he/she can prescribe medicine that will make them feel better in a day or two.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  Sinus infections may be due to a virus or fungus, which will not be helped by antibiotics.  If it is a bacterial infection, a prescription should help; but, virus related infections basically need the home remedies used for anyone with a cold or the flu.  Conversely, fungal infections may require minor surgery to promote healing.

Deviated Septum

People who suffer from chronic sinus infection often have other underlying health concerns that adversely affect the sinuses natural function to drain properly.  For example, a patient may have a deviated septum.  The septum is that piece of cartilage that separates the two nostrils.  If it is misaligned and leans one way or the other, it can reduce proper drainage of the sinuses, which, in turn, promotes infection.  Fortunately, this problem can usually be surgically corrected.  Then, the chronic sinus infections become only an unpleasant memory.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are growths that stem from the sinus membranes.  While they are usually not tender, they can prevent the sinuses from draining properly, and ultimately cause infection. To get rid of these obstructions to good nasal health, a doctor will generally prescribe one of three treatment options:

1. Steroids
2. Topic ointments
3. Surgical removal

Naturally, it depends on the polyps and the level of discomfort suffered by the patient.

Symptoms

The symptoms of chronic sinus infection are almost the same as acute or sudden onset of an infection.  The differences are in the fever and the duration of the sinus trouble. Generally acute sinusitis will be accompanied by a temperature; but, once treated, the symptoms will go away.
Conversely, chronic sinusitis can last for months, and include any or all of the following symptoms:

• Yellow or greenish drainage
• Pain and swelling of the sinuses
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Reduced ability to taste or smell
• Difficulty breathing through a clogged nose
• Coughing
• Ear pain
• Aching teeth and jaws
• Bad breath
• Sore throat from the drainage
• Upset stomach

Sometimes the symptoms can cause serious health risks.  So, it is extremely important to see a doctor right away if there is shortness of breath, double-vision, visible swelling around the eyes and face, forehead swelling, terrible headache, or a stiff neck that cannot be attributed to sleeping in a chair, in order to breathe easier at night.

Treatment

The treatment for chronic sinus infection depends upon the underlying causes for the continued illness.  For instance, people with allergies are also likely to suffer from chronic sinus trouble.  Once the allergy is under control, the sinus trouble will also abate. 

Although the doctor may prescribe treatment for various underlying causes, there are many home remedies and lifestyle changes that will also promote better sinus health and reduce the severity of the symptoms. For some, it might require alterations to the environment, such as more humidity or filters for air vents.  It may also mean less alcohol and more water in the system, or a change in diet to reduce the foods and beverages that cause the body to create more mucus. Living with chronic sinus infection is possible, once the root causes are dealt with, and the beginning symptoms are addressed, before they get out of control.