Allergic Fungal Sinusitis
Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a very specific type of sinus infection that is caused by environmental allergens. Patients with this condition often have significant associated allergies to mold and other allergens and they may also suffer from nasal polyps or asthma. The infecting fungi may be microscopically present in the air and when they enter the sinus cavity they cause inflammation and infection that creates severe sinus symptoms.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC FUNGAL SINUSITIS
Allergic fungal sinusitis is relatively rare and is a particularly challenging type of sinus infection to treat and manage.1 Houston sinus expert Dr. Arjuna Kuperan is a board-certified ENT and fellowship-trained Rhinologist with the skill and experience to help patients with allergic fungal sinusitis. Dr. Kuperan uses his expertise to determine the underlying cause of sinus symptoms and create a customized treatment plan to relieve sinus symptoms.
SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC FUNGAL SINUSITIS
- Difficulty breathing or nasal congestion on one side of the nose
- Facial pain or pressure on only one side of the face
- Thick yellow/brown nasal drainage
- Intermittent nasal discharge of green/brown “cork-like” fragments
- More frequent asthma exacerbations with wheezing or chest tightness
- Coughing
TREATING ALLERGIC FUNGAL SINUSITIS
If you suffer from recurring sinus infections or symptoms of allergic fungal sinusitis, it is critical to see an experienced Rhinologist. Proper treatment is important because allergic fungal sinusitis can cause complications, including vision loss, if left untreated.2 Dr. Kuperan will use a variety of diagnostic tools to determine if a fungal infection is the cause of your sinus issues. He will discuss your diagnosis and your treatment options with you. Oral steroids and antibiotics can provide temporary relief of symptoms, but a long-term care plan is necessary to prevent allergic fungal sinusitis from coming back.
Most patients with allergic fungal sinusitis require endoscopic sinus surgery in conjunction with allergy testing and treatment. The quality of the endoscopic sinus surgery is critical to ensure long term control of this particularly challenging sinus infection. Wide sinus openings must be created to remove all the fungal fragments and provide accessibility for long-term therapy with nasal steroid rinses to keep the inflammation controlled. Dr. Kuperan offers the revolutionary technology of Propel steroid releasing implants that produce steroid locally inside the nose to prevent recurrence of fungal growth and polyps.
A Leader in Rhinology
There are countless ENTs in Houston, but only a select few are Fellowship-Trained Rhinologists. Dr. Kuperan’s rare fellowship training in Rhinology places him at the forefront of sinus and nasal care in Houston. His commitment to excellence, evidenced by his innovative surgical techniques and active research, ensures you receive the most advanced treatment available.
Get Relief From Sinus Symptoms
At Houston Advanced Nose and Sinus, we are dedicated to helping patients find relief from frustrating sinus symptoms. Dr. Kuperan’s specialized training and exclusive focus on nose and sinus conditions enable him to treat difficult and complex cases. If you have symptoms of allergic fungal sinusitis, we can help. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your consultation appointment.
5 Solutions to Keep Seasonal Allergies at BayReferences
1 Glass D, Amedee RG. Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis: a review. Ochsner J. 2011;11(3):271-275.
2 Bozeman S, deShazo R, Stringer S, Wright L. Complications of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis. The American Journal of Medicine, Vol 124, No 4, April 2011.
Dr. Arjuna Kuerpan has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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