A fungal sinus infection, also known as fungal rhinosinusitis, involves inflammation of the nasal sinuses due to fungi. While less common than viral or bacterial infections, fungal infections can present with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Understanding these symptoms aids diagnosis and management.
Common Sinus Infection Symptoms
Many fungal sinus infection symptoms are similar to other types. These general symptoms often include pressure and pain around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead. Nasal congestion, a runny nose, and a reduced sense of smell are frequently reported. Postnasal drip and headaches can also occur. These common indicators do not specifically point to a fungal cause and can be present in viral or bacterial sinusitis.
Indicators Pointing to Fungal Involvement
Certain symptoms suggest a fungal cause, distinguishing it from typical sinus infections. Unusual nasal discharge, such as black, brown, or gray mucus, or the presence of fungal debris or crusts, is a strong indicator. Symptoms affecting only one side of the face, including pain, swelling, or discharge, can also raise suspicion for a fungal infection. Persistent or worsening facial pain, especially when severe and unresponsive to standard treatments, may indicate fungal involvement.
Other concerning signs include numbness or tingling in the face. Changes in vision, such as double vision, blurred vision, or vision loss, particularly if they progress rapidly, are serious indicators. Swelling or bulging of the eye can also occur. The presence of blackened areas, or necrotic tissue, in the nose or on the palate, further suggests a fungal infection.
Understanding Symptoms by Fungal Sinus Type
Fungal sinus infections manifest differently depending on their specific type, each with a distinct symptom profile.
Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AFRS)
AFRS is an allergic reaction to fungi, not an invasive infection of the tissues. Individuals with AFRS often experience chronic nasal congestion, thick and sticky nasal discharge that can resemble peanut butter, and the formation of nasal polyps. Facial pressure is also a common complaint, and the thick discharge is often described as “allergic mucin.”
Fungal Sinus Ball
A Fungal Sinus Ball, or mycetoma, involves a non-invasive clump of fungus within a sinus cavity. Symptoms are often unilateral and may include chronic nasal obstruction, persistent postnasal drip, and foul-smelling discharge. Facial pain and headaches can also occur. Many individuals with a fungal ball may not experience symptoms, sometimes discovered incidentally during imaging.
Invasive Fungal Sinusitis
Invasive Fungal Sinusitis represents the most severe form, typically affecting individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms are often rapidly progressive and severe, including intense facial pain, swelling, and fever. Vision changes, eye bulging, and numbness in the face are serious signs of tissue invasion. Black lesions on the palate or inside the nose indicate tissue death. Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis progresses more slowly but can present with similar, less acute symptoms over a longer period, such as persistent pressure, congestion, and drainage.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Prompt medical evaluation is important if a fungal sinus infection is suspected. Any severe, worsening, or one-sided facial pain or swelling warrants immediate attention. Vision changes (blurriness, double vision, vision loss), eye bulging, or redness are critical red flags. Numbness or tingling in the face also necessitates urgent medical consultation. Unusually colored nasal discharge, particularly black or dark hues, requires professional assessment. If sinus symptoms do not improve or worsen despite standard treatments, or if an individual with a compromised immune system experiences sinus issues, seek medical advice without delay.