Supporting Gold Coast Patients with Nasal Obstruction Surgery
Allergic fungal sinusitis is a condition affecting the paranasal sinuses, which is caused by an allergic reaction to fungus. The allergic reaction that occurs is one which causes swelling and inflammation of the nose and sinuses with formation of polyps and copious amounts of mucus. The fungus in the nose forms thick mucus which is called allergic fungal mucin. From a technical point of view this condition is a mixed Type 1 and Type 3 allergic reaction.
Dr Dan Robinson is an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon in the Gold Coast, who can treat this condition with nasal obstruction surgery. Call today to arrange a consultation.
Why does it occur?
Fungus is all around us and we breathe in thousands of fungal spores every day. Patients with allergic fungal sinusitis develop an abnormal immune reaction to the fungus which they breathe in. This is not the fault of the patient, nor is it the fault of the immune system of the patient. There is a strong association of allergic fungal sinusitis and living in a humid environment.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of allergic fungal sinusitis are the symptoms of rhinosinusitis. These symptoms are:
- Nasal obstruction
- Runny nose
- Post nasal drip
- Change in sense of smell
- Facial pain or pressure
In addition to these symptoms patients with allergic fungal sinusitis will also commonly have asthma or significant allergic rhinitis (hayfever).
How do I know if I have allergic fungal sinusitis?
Allergic fungal sinusitis is a condition which is suspected on history and examination. The suspicion of allergic fungal sinusitis is also raised when you have characteristic CT Scan findings which look like fungus. Dr Robinson will look at your CT Scan to determine whether you have these characteristic findings and inform you he suspects you have allergic fungal sinusitis.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery to relieve sinusitis
The treatment for allergic fungal sinusitis is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The surgery has changed dramatically over the last few years and is now an operation which involves opening every single sinus and clearing the sinuses of all of the fungal disease. The surgery which Dr Dan Robinson performs is functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The procedure will take approximately 2 and a half hours.
Once this is done Dr Robinson then sees you in the rooms multiple times until the sinus cavity has recovered from the operation. During this period of time Dr Robinson will continue to clean your sinuses out of any debris which is building up. It is also imperative that you continue using copious amounts of saline irrigation in the nose after the operation.
