Invasive fungal sinusitis

Invasive fungal sinusitis is an infection that develops in the sinus tissue from inhaling a fungus. It affects the sinuses and the nose lining and causes inflammation, stuffy nose, fever and headache. If left untreated, it can spread to the blood vessels, eyes and nervous system.

What is invasive fungal sinusitis

Invasive fungal sinusitis infections are commonly caused by inhaling certain types of mold spores. One of the more common spores that cause invasive fungal sinusitis is aspergillosis fumigatus, which is found indoors and outdoors and is often found on dead leaves, stored grains and decaying vegetation.

Most people breathe in fungal spores every day without getting sick. However, those with a weakened immune system are more at risk of developing an Invasive fungal sinusitis infection.

Types of fungal sinusitis

Fungal sinus infections are either noninvasive or invasive.

Noninvasive fungal sinusitis

These are the most common fungal sinus infections. Noninvasive fungal sinusitis includes allergic reactions to mold and fungi build-up in the sinus tissue that blocks the sinuses.

Invasive fungal sinusitis

These are less common but are life-threatening if left untreated. There are three types of invasive infections, acute invasive fungal sinusitis, chronic invasive fungal sinusitis and granulomatous invasive fungal sinusitis (GIFS).

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis is more common in people with a compromised immune system due to cancer, chemotherapy or organ transplant and can be life-threatening. The fungus damages the blood vessels in the nose, which causes the sinus tissue to die. This serious infection can spread quickly to the eyes and brain and is a medical emergency.

Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis

This type of infection is more common in people with diabetes. Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis infections are similar to sinus infections but don’t spread as quickly.

Granulomatous invasive fungal sinusitis (GIFS)

This is a rare type of fungal infection that happens when the fungus triggers an immune response. When this happens, your immune system attacks and kills the sinus tissue in the nose.

Symptoms of acute invasive fungal sinusitis

People with acute invasive fungal sinusitis are usually extremely ill and have some or all the following symptoms:

• Change in mental status
• Changes in vision
• Changes in skin color
• Proptosis (protruding eyeballs)
• Congestion and nasal discharge
• Facial pain, numbness or swelling
• Fever
• Sinus headache

Diagnosis of invasive fungal sinusitis

If you have any symptoms of a sinus infection, make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist for an exam. Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. They may also swab your note for mucus or sinus tissue and send it to a lab to test for fungus. Your doctor may also order a CT scan to see images of your sinuses.

Your Advocate care team – which may include expert neurologists and neurosurgeons – will create a treatment plan to meet your specific needs if you are diagnosed with invasive fungal sinusitis.

Treatment options for invasive fungal sinusitis

Invasive fungal sinusitis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, most often nasal surgery to remove the infected sinus tissue. Your specialist may use a minimally invasive procedure to remove the infected tissue through the nasal passages. Other treatment options may include antifungal medications, steroids to reduce inflammation and relieve sinus pressure or a nasal wash with saline solution.