Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis (AFS)

Allergic fungal sinusitis is an ongoing allergic reaction to fungi that live in the air we breathe. It often affects people who have had problems with allergies or asthma.

Some scientists believe that everyone has fungus particles living in their nasal cavities. Some people have bad reactions to these particles.

If you have AFS, a thick substance made of these fungus particles mixes with mucin (naturally produced by your body) and remains in your sinus cavities. Your body’s immune system launches an attack on the fungus. This leads to irritation in the nose. This condition, AFS, can cause damage to tissue inside the skull and even lead to blindness.

Diagnosis

A lab technician can identify signs of AFS by examining a sample of mucus from your nose. Your doctor may order a CT scan or MRI to assess the effects of AFS.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Sinus pain
• Chronic feelings of nasal stuffiness
• Chronic runny nose

Treatment

Treating AFS requires surgery to remove of the fungus-mucin mixture. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid medication to be taken at the time of surgery and for several weeks after. After surgery, anti-inflammatory medication, and immunotherapy may be prescribed to prevent AFS from recurring.

Related Links

Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus, Allergy Program

Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center