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.