Introduction

Allergic fungal sinusitis is a condition affecting the paranasal sinuses, which is caused by an allergic reaction to fungus. The allergic reaction that occurs is one that causes swelling and inflammation of the nose and sinuses – along with the formation of polyps and copious amounts of mucus. The fungus in the nose forms thick mucus which is called allergic fungal mucin. From a technical point of view, this condition is a mixed Type 1 and Type 3 allergic reaction.

Dr Robinson has operated on many cases of patients with allergic fungal sinusitis and regularly treats this condition with Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Causes of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

Fungus is all around us and we breathe in thousands of fungal spores every day. Patients with allergic fungal sinusitis develop an abnormal immune reaction to the fungus that they breathe in. This is not the fault of the patient, nor is it the fault of the immune system of the patient. There is a strong association of allergic fungal sinusitis and living in a humid environment.

Symptoms

The symptoms of allergic fungal sinusitis are the symptoms of rhinosinusitis. These symptoms are:

• Nasal obstruction.
• Runny nose.
• Post-nasal drip.
• Change in sense of smell.
• Facial pain or pressure.

In addition to these symptoms patients with allergic fungal sinusitis will also commonly have asthma or significant allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Diagnosis

Allergic fungal sinusitis is a condition that is suspected on history and examination. The suspicion of allergic fungal sinusitis is also raised when you have characteristic CT Scan findings that look like fungus. Dr Robinson will look at your CT Scan to determine whether you have these characteristic findings and inform you he suspects you have allergic fungal sinusitis.

Treatment

AFS is treated with a combination of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and post operation wash to the nose with meticulous follow-up. Dr Robinson has had excellent results when treating patients with allergic fungal sinusitis with most patients not having a recurrence of their symptoms.

FESS is all performed through the nostril with no cuts or incisions on the face. When Dr Robinson performs FESS there is an excellent success rate with most patients being symptom-free at one year after their operation.

Related Information

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

To discuss fixing your allergic fungal sinusitis, please make an appointment with Dr Dan Robinson.