There are approximately 50, 000 kinds of fungi very few are known to be problematic and cause human illness. The fungi that create human illness are those fungi that are known to coexist with in a natural balance with the other microorganisms that are colonized in our bodies. Fungi are recognized as mycosis, caused by the presence of fungi. Mycosis takes place when the fungi pass the resistance barriers in humans and animals and establish infections. In the instances of that fungi create infection the infection can result in from minor to life threatening. Fungi can develop due to hot climate and humidity or overcrowded living conditions. Fungi can exist as airborne spores resulting in the fungi originating in the lungs or on the skin. Fungi exist on the body surface at all times, like bacteria, and are usually not problematic. In fact, fungi also reside in the sinus and nasal passages as well.

Types of Fungal Infections

There are three known types of sinus fungal infections:

• Fungus ball sinusitis - overgrowth of fungal elements typically in the maxillary sinus typically in those who have reoccurring sinus infections and requiring sinus surgery
• Allergic fungal sinusitis - similar to bacterial infection yet typically involves nasal polyps and thick drainage with likely sinus surgery that is intermittent throughout the lifetime of the patient to manage infection
• Chronic and acute invasive sinusitis - these are the most serious sinusitis infections and least common. Acute invasive fungal sinusitis is virulent in that it progresses quickly and grows into the sinus tissue and bone. Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis grows much slower with the same results as acute, yet stems from those with compromised immune systems such as those undergoing chemotherapy or uncontrolled diabetes.

Like bacteria, a fungus can multiply and cause a sinusitis infection. Fungal spores are in the environment and we breathe in different kinds of fungal spores everyday into our nasal passages and sinuses. Some people are more susceptible to fungal infections such as those with compromised immune systems, those receiving chemotherapy, and diabetics.

Symptoms

A sinusitis infection with or without fungal infection is experienced as a cold that won't go away, nasal pressure, pain, postnasal drip, headache, pressure in the face and cheeks. The blockage of foreign debris of fungi, bacteria, or virus also triggers excess mucus production in the sinus cavities and inflammation due to the pathogens attacking the sinus cavity openings. When the sinus cavity openings are attacked this leads to a more serious sinus infection. Sinusitis develops typically when there is existing inflammation from a cold or allergy. When bacteria get into the sinus cavities, they attack the swelling of the cavity lining, causing more inflammation. During a sinusitis infection, the cilia which are small hairs in the nasal passageways cannot perform their function of removing the debris that is blocked inside the sinus cavity.

Fungal Medications and Treatment

Fungal infections tend to afflict the very young and very old as well as those who have been taking a strong course of antibiotics for an extended period of time. There are those that have a reaction to the fungi, and a fungal infection begins after contact and this can lead to a sinusitis fungal infection. Antifungal medications are prescribed to treat fungal infections. Common antifungal medications include macrolides, that is either compounded or as an IV medication as well as over the counter antifungal medications.

The standard treatment options for fungal sinusitis symptoms typically include oral antifungal medication and a nasal spray. A physician typically prescribes or recommends over the counter nasal spray for irrigation in the treatment of a sinusitis fungal infection. A nasal spray is a treatment method that is widely utilized for sinusitis infections and can provide some sinus relief. Nasal sprays are obtained over the counter or prescribed by a physician but due to the design of the nasal spray bottle, a nasal spray emits a large particle size that cannot effectively treat the tiny sinus cavity openings. The large particle cannot reach the inflamed openings of the sinus cavities nor remove the pathogens caught inside the upper sinus cavities. Nasal sprays only treat the lower nasal passages and remove pathogens in the lower sinus regions.

Oral antifungal medication and oral antibiotics are commonly prescribed for the treatment of a fungal sinusitis infection. Oral antifungal and oral antibiotic are the most common form of treatment prescribed by physicians for fungal sinusitis infection sinusitis at this time although they are known to be marginally effective in treating sinus infections. Oral medications rely on the blood stream to deliver medication to the sinus cavity through the blood vessels in the nasal cavity. However, the sinus cavity is anatomically characterized by a lack of blood vessels in the sinus cavity that which results in the sinus cavity not receiving a proper dose of medication. The small amount of blood vessels results in an ineffective method for delivering oral medications to the sinus cavity. It is the lack of blood vessels in the sinus cavity which make it difficult for the antibiotic and antifungal to get to the site of the infection in the sinus area. Hence, the antifungal and antibiotic cannot fight the infection to the extent it is intended.

When nasal sprays, oral anti-fungals and oral antibiotics fail, the patient may be informed by their physician to consider sinus surgery. In sinus surgery, only part of the inflammation and infection is cleaned out. Unfortunately, statistically those who receive sinus surgery experience a reoccurrence of the infection and the patient may often require another surgery.

Sinus Dynamics topical treatment approach of using nebulized medication to treat sinusitis is a treatment method that is preferred by ENT's treating sinusitis infections, according to the “Harvard Medical School Guide to Healing Your Sinuses” 2005. Sinus Dynamics offers the most innovative treatment for sinusitis infection currently on the market with custom compounded antibiotics, anti-fungals, and anti-inflammatories that are delivered directly into the sinus cavities with a state of the art nebulizer that produces a pressurized aerosolized mist. Sinus Dynamics nebulizer emits a fine medicated mist with 3.2-micron particle size that can rapidly enter the inflamed sinus cavities, depositing medication and making contact with the infection directly. The aerosolized medicated mist is sent up into nasal passages reaching the actual site of the sinusitis infection, fighting the infection on contact. Sinus Dynamics treatment approach is painless and effective in treating chronic sinusitis. Sinus Dynamics' topical approach to treating sinusitis is particularly effective as medications that are topically applied result in little to no side effects and ensure a low systemic absorption rate as well as reaching the site of infection unlike the other treatment methods prescribed. Sinus Dynamics sinus therapy is highly effective, easy to use, and safe with a 98% success rate in the treatment of patients who are suffering with sinusitis. Call Sinus Dynamics to discuss treatment options for your sinusitis fungal infection today (877) 447-4276.

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