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Oct 16, 2023

Fungal Sinusitis: What Is It, Symptoms & Treatment

Fungal sinusitis (fungal rhinosinusitis) is a sinus infection that results from

Fungal sinusitis (fungal rhinosinusitis) is a sinus infection that results from a fungus. Several types of fungal sinus infections cause similar symptoms. These may include nasal congestion and sinus pain (in the cheeks, forehead and between the eyes).

Providers treat most cases of fungal sinusitis with sinus surgery, and extreme forms may require additional anti-fungal treatment. But people with healthy immune systems may not need treatment. Some fungal sinus infections clear up without intervention.

People who have conditions that weaken the immune system (such as diabetes and leukemia) are much more likely to get fungal sinusitis. They also have a higher risk of complications. Some types of fungal sinusitis can destroy the lining of the nose, spread to the brain and lead to death.

A fungus is a living organism. It can't make its own food, so it takes its nutrients from decomposing matter in the soil, water or plants where it lives. Fungi live in the air, on surfaces, and on humans and other animals.

Scientists classify fungi in groups. They include mold, yeasts and mildew. Some fungi are big enough to see (like mushrooms), and some are so small you can only see them with a microscope.

There are more than 100,000 species of fungi. They live all around us, and most aren't dangerous. But some fungi can invade the body and multiply, leading to serious health problems. Different types of fungi cause infections in many parts of the body. Some examples are yeast infections, thrush and toenail fungal infections.

The sinuses are hollow, interconnected spaces (cavities) inside your skull. They extend across your forehead, behind your nose, between your eyes and under your cheekbones. Sinus walls have a layer of mucus that traps bacteria and keeps the air inside moist.

Sinuses need to drain frequently. If there's a blockage or inflammation, the sinuses don't work like they should.

Providers classify fungal sinus infections as invasive and noninvasive. Invasive infections can spread to other areas, such as the eyes and brain. Noninvasive sinus infections, the more common type, only affect the nose and sinus areas.

The types of noninvasive fungal sinusitis are:

Untreated, invasive sinus infections are life-threatening. The infection can destroy tissue inside the nose and move into the skull and brain. The types of invasive fungal sinusitis are:

Some types of fungal sinusitis are more common than others. Women are much more likely to develop fungal balls than men. Allergic fungal sinusitis is more common in warm, humid climates. GIFS is very rare in the United States. It's much more common in India, Sudan and Pakistan.

Fungal sinus infections have increased over the last few decades. This may be because healthcare providers are prescribing more antibiotics and immunosuppressant drugs. This increase could also be due to a rise in the number of diseases that weaken the immune system.

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop fungal sinus infections. Severe infections are more common among people who:

Symptoms of fungal sinusitis include:

People with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of serious symptoms of fungal sinusitis. These include:

Several types of fungi can cause a sinus infection. Most fungal sinus infections result from mold or yeast. Tiny fungi can enter the sinuses when someone breaths them in.

Many types of fungus live on or inside the body all the time. They’re usually only dangerous to people who have a weakened immune system.

To diagnose a fungal sinus infection, your provider will do a physical exam. They will ask about your symptoms, health history and medications. Then, your provider may remove some mucus or tissue from your sinuses and send it to a lab. The lab tests for fungus.

Your provider may also order a CT scan. This imaging study uses X-rays and a computer to see detailed images of your sinuses. It helps your provider locate the infection or check for a fungal ball. It also helps them develop an effective treatment plan.

An endoscopy can also help your provider diagnose and evaluate a fungal sinus infection. During this procedure, your provider inserts a long, thin tube with a camera into your nose. The camera shows images of your nose and sinuses. Your provider views these images on a monitor.

Fungal sinusitis treatments vary. People with healthy immune systems may not need treatment for some types of fungal sinus infections. Invasive fungal sinus infections require immediate treatment.

Treatments include:

You may not be able to prevent a fungal sinus infection. If you’re at a higher risk for fungal sinus infections, talk to your provider. They may recommend regular checkups to monitor your health and treat infections quickly. Talk to your provider if you:

With treatment, most noninvasive fungal sinus infections go away without serious complications. Some types of infection may come back after treatment.

Untreated, invasive fungal sinus infections can spread to the eyes and brain. They can lead to tissue loss, blindness and death.

Acute fulminant invasive fungal sinusitis is fatal about 50% of the time. This infection worsens very quickly, so it's essential to get treatment as soon as possible. After treatment, some people have nerve damage, chronic pain or facial abnormalities due to lost tissue.

If you have symptoms of a sinus infection, see your provider for an evaluation. It's also important to call your provider if you have sinus problems that don't seem to go away (chronic sinusitis).

If you have a condition that weakens your immune system or you take immunosuppressant drugs and you notice sinus infection symptoms, get help immediately. People who have weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of death from a fungal sinus infection. Some infections spread quickly, so it's essential to seek treatment right away.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

If you have symptoms of a sinus infection, see your provider. They will determine what's causing your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment. If you have these symptoms and you take immunosuppressant medications or have a condition that weakens your immune system, get help right away. Invasive fungal sinus infections are very dangerous and can worsen quickly. They may be fatal without prompt treatment. If you have a compromised immune system, talk to your provider about getting regular checkups to monitor your health.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/22/2021.

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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy