Causes

• The fungus that causes sinusitis is really molds or yeasts that people inhale or consume in the food they eat. Mold and yeast spores are present in the air we breathe and live in foods such as yeast breads, cheeses and beer. They live on the skin and in the intestinal tract of healthy people and most people never know they're there. The immune system prevents these fungus from causing problem. But a person with a weakened immune system, or whose sinuses have been damaged by previous bacterial infections or surgery, can be more susceptible to fungus colonizing the sinus cavities.
  
  

Types

• There are five classifications of fungal sinusitis: allergic, mycetoma, chronic granulomatous, invasive
  and eosinophilic fungal rhinosinusitus.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Fungal infections of the sinuses may be identified by growing a culture from sinus secretions, through surgical biopsy of the sinuses. The physician may also order CT scans, nasal ultrasound or endoscopic examination.
  
  

Treatment

• Fungal sinus infections are treated with a combination or oral and nasal steroids, nasal anti-fungals and decongestants. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the fungus.
  
  

Prognosis

• Fungal sinusitis can be difficult to treat and may require trials of different therapies. If left untreated, chronic sinusitis can lead to permanent damage to the sinus passages, including erosion of the bone. In rare severe cases, the infection can spread to the eyes or the brain.