Answer:

Sinus fungal infection is a condition where fungus grows and develops in the sinus cavities, causing prolonged inflammation. Aspergillus sp. and Zygomycetes sp. are the two main types of fungi, with Aspergillus sp. being the more common cause of sinus infections. The disease is divided into two types: non-invasive fungal infections (fungal ball, allergic fungal sinusitis, and saprophytic fungal sinusitis) and invasive fungal infections (acute, chronic, and granulomatous).

Sinus fungal infection often progresses silently and persists over time. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, runny nose, reduced sense of smell, foul odor in the nose, sinus pain, fever, and poor response to conventional medical treatment. Invasive fungal infections can cause complications such as facial numbness, tightness in the eye sockets and face, bulging eyes, decreased vision, and severe headaches.

Sinus fungal infection is mainly caused by fungal spores from the environment (dust, soil, moldy air) entering the airways. The disease is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems due to diabetes, HIV, cancer, or ongoing chemotherapy, or prolonged use of antibiotics or steroids. Fungus can also develop from dental fillings (used to fill gaps in teeth caused by cavities or chips) and spread through the tooth root into the sinuses. Other factors such as hot and humid climates, polluted environments, dust, mold, poor hygiene, and abnormal anatomical structures (deviated septum, foreign bodies in the sinuses) that cause blockage and accumulation of mucus can also create conditions for fungal growth.

Doctor Hang (right) is performing endoscopic sinus surgery on a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Hang (right) is performing endoscopic sinus surgery on a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

In reality, fungal spores are commonly present in the air. When inhaled, they become part of the nasal sinus microbiome. In healthy individuals, the immune system quickly eliminates them. However, if the immune barrier is weakened due to prolonged overuse of antibiotics, living in a damp environment, or having underlying diseases, this defense mechanism can be easily disrupted, creating an opportunity for fungi to attack and cause infection.

If you have a sinus fungal infection, you should consult a doctor for appropriate treatment. If not detected and treated early, the disease can cause dangerous complications such as erosion of the sinus bones and spread to the eyes or brain. Surgery may be required to remove the fungal mass in the sinuses, combined with specialized antifungal medication in cases of invasive fungal infections.

Patients should use supportive treatment measures to limit recurrence, such as rinsing their nose with saline solution daily to clear mucus from the sinuses, boosting their immune system, and maintaining a balanced diet.

MSc. MD. Specialist II Tran Thi Thuy Hang

Head of Otolaryngology Department

Otolaryngology Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM