Suffering from fungal sinusitis can significantly impact your life with severe facial pain, headaches, and chronic symptoms. At MouradMD, we specialize in treating all types of fungal sinusitis infections, including fungal ball and invasive forms, using comprehensive therapies like antifungal medications and surgical treatments. Contact us for a thorough physical exam and personalized care plan to alleviate your symptoms and improve your health.
What is Fungal Sinusitis?
Fungal sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses caused by fungi, leading to inflammation, facial pain, headaches, and chronic sinusitis symptoms. The condition varies in severity, with some forms being mild while others, such as invasive fungal sinusitis, can be life-threatening. Effective treatment typically involves antifungal medications and surgical intervention to remove infected tissue and alleviate symptoms.
Types of Fungal Sinusitis
Saprophytic Fungal Sinusitis
Saprophytic fungal sinusitis is a type of infection that occurs when fungi grow on mucus or debris in the nasal passages without invading the tissue. Treatment involves nasal irrigation or minor surgery to remove the fungal debris, followed by maintaining good nasal hygiene.
Fungal Ball Sinusitis
A fungus ball, or mycetoma, is a dense clump of fungal elements that forms within a sinus cavity. This non-invasive condition causes nasal congestion, facial pain, and headaches. Treatment typically requires surgical removal of the fungus ball, as it does not respond well to antifungal medications.
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis (AFS)
Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is characterized by an exaggerated immune response to fungi in the nasal cavities. This condition often affects individuals with a history of allergic rhinitis and leads to chronic sinus inflammation, nasal polyps, and thick mucus. Treatment includes antifungal therapy, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and surgical treatment to clear the sinuses.
Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis
Acute invasive fungal sinusitis is a life-threatening condition where fungi invade sinus tissues, often in immunocompromised individuals. Immediate treatment with antifungal therapy and surgical debridement is crucial.
What Are The Symptoms?
- Persistent facial pain
- Nasal congestion
- Headaches
- Thick nasal discharge
- Reduced sense of smell
- Chronic sinusitis symptoms
- Severe symptoms in invasive fungal sinusitis: tissue necrosis, fever, severe facial swelling
- Nasal polyps and frequent inflammation in allergic fungal sinusitis
Book an appointment with Dr. Mourad if you experience these symptoms
Diagnosis of Fungal Sinusitis
Accurately diagnosing fungal sinusitis is crucial for effective treatment at MouradMD.
Physical Examination
A detailed physical exam by Dr. Mourad includes examining the nasal passages and sinuses for signs of infection, swelling, and nasal polyps. Medical history is reviewed to understand symptoms like facial pain and headaches.
Imaging Tests
CT scans and MRIs provide detailed images of the nasal cavities and sinuses, identifying fungal balls, tissue inflammation, and invasive infections, guiding surgical treatment plans if necessary.
Laboratory Tests
Nasal and sinus cultures identify specific fungi, while biopsies of infected tissue determine the type and severity of the fungal infection. Blood tests assess the immune response and rule out other diseases, ensuring accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment with antifungal medications.
Treatment Options
Treatment options typically require surgery to physically remove the fungus as well as immunotherapy such as steroids.
The main way to open your sinuses is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). In revision surgery, or if the sinuses next to your eyes or brain are involved, then you may also need Image Guidance Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). This type of sinus surgery is performed using a high-powered camera on the end of an optically lighted tube. The surgeon can magnify the contents of your nose onto a large video monitor in great detail.
Micro-instruments are used to open sinuses and remove infected bone and tissue. This is generally done under general anesthesia so you are completely comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. Image Guidance Surgery is a 3-dimensional visualization system that uses your CAT scan to track instruments inside of your nose and sinuses. The guidance provides an additional tool to locate where you are inside of the nasal cavity and can be used with Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. It is most appropriately used for revision surgeries or with the frontal, lateral ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses which are adjacent to the brain, eyes and major head nerves and vessels.
In essence, treatments include:
- Antifungal Medications: Target the fungal infection directly.
- Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation, especially in allergic fungal sinusitis.
- Surgical Treatment: Remove fungal balls or debride infected tissue in severe cases.
Prevention of Fungal Sinusitis
- Maintain good nasal hygiene, such as regular nasal irrigation.
- Manage underlying conditions like allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis with appropriate medications.
- Avoid environments with high levels of mold and fungi.
- Regular physical exams and early intervention at the first sign of symptoms.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Mourad in NYC
If you are experiencing symptoms of fungal sinusitis, including facial pain, headaches, or chronic sinusitis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Moustafa Mourad at MouradMD. Dr. Mourad specializes in diagnosing and treating various types of fungal sinus infections, ensuring personalized and comprehensive care. Take the first step towards relief by contacting our office today for a thorough physical exam and tailored treatment plan.
Your path to better sinus health starts with a consultation at MouradMD.