Ayurvedic Treatment for Fungal Sinusitis

Introduction

The inflammation or infection in the paranasal sinus is known as Sinusitis. When this condition is caused by a fungal organism then it is known as Fungal sinusitis, Aspergillus sinusitis, Fungus rhinosinusitis, etc. It is a broad term used in all kinds of sinusitis situations where fungus is involved like yeast and mold. One of the most common pathogens that is involved in fungal sinusitis is Aspergillus flavus which represents the allergic reaction to these fungi and shows findings like the ABPA i.e. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The individual with allergic tendencies or immune-compromised individuals primarily suffer from these diseases due to the overgrowth of fungal spores in the sinus.

In Ayurveda based on its symptoms, pathophysiology, etc. it is correlated with various conditions that occur due to the imbalance of Kapha and Vata Dosha. In this article, you will find out the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and Ayurvedic treatment for fungal sinusitis like Panchakarma Procedures (internal purification of the body), Yoga procedures, Single Herbs, Diet and Lifestyle modification, etc. The treatment helps in balancing the vitiated Kapha and Vata Dosha, which will certainly help to treat Fungal or Aspergillus rhinosinusitis.

What is Fungal Sinusitis?

The allergic reaction or infection caused by fungal organisms in the paranasal sinus is known as fungal sinusitis. The most common pathogen that is involved in fungal sinusitis is Aspergillus flavus and this sinusitis is known as Aspergillus sinusitis. Fungal sinusitis ranges from mild allergic reactions to life-threatening and invasive conditions. When there is an overgrowth of fungi in the sinus, it results in different kinds of sinus complications.

Fungal Sinusitis – As Per Ayurveda

Based on pathophysiology (Samprapti), symptoms (Lakshana), and Dosha involved Fungal sinusitis are correlated with Dushta Pratishaya in which symptoms like nasal blockage, facial pain, thick discharge, etc are similar. It is also correlated with Kaphaja Shiroroga in which excessive mucus production and symptoms like dull headache and heaviness align with Kaphaja Shiro Roga. Subtypes of Nasa Roga (Nasal disorder) like Apinasa and Peenasa due to chronic nasal blockage, mucus accumulation, etc. align with persistent nasal congestion and hypersensitivity in fungal sinusitis. In invasive forms of fungal sinusitis when there are symptoms like inflammation, and tissue destruction, Pitta Dosha is also involved.

Who Gets Affected by Fungal Sinusitis (Aspergillus Sinusitis)?

The individuals having allergic predispositions especially for fungal spores, due to HIV/ AIDS, Diabetes, Chemotherapy weakened immunity, occupational exposure like farmer who are exposed to decay plant material and organic dust, suffering from chronic sinus conditions like nasal polyps or excessive use of various nasal sprays are more prone to be affected by fungal sinusitis.

How Common is Fungal Sinusitis?

The most common sinusitis type that has been reported worldwide, especially in the winter season, is fungal sinusitis.

• The prevalence of fungal rhinosinusitis among chronic rhinosinusitis was as high as 42.6% with most patients being above the age of 41 years with the majority of them being from an agricultural background. 

Reference – Shetty, S., Chandrashekar, S., & Aggarwal, N. (2019). A Study on the Prevalence and Clinical Features of Fungal Sinusitis in Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 72 (1), 117. 

• A recent study revealed that Fungal sinusitis was diagnosed in 94 (93%) of 101 consecutive surgical cases with CRS.
• The prevalence of chronic FRS cases was at 0.11% of the population and Aspergillus flavus was the predominant (97.6%) agent of all types of chronic.

Types of Fungal Sinusitis

Mainly two types of Fungal sinusitis:-

1. Invasive Fungal sinusitis
2. Non- invasive Fungal sinusitis

1) Types of Invasive Fungal Sinusitis

1. Acute Invasive Fungal sinusitis – This type occurs in immunocompromised individuals in which rapid destruction of tissues is seen.
2. Chronic Invasive Fungal sinusitis – In this type of tissue invasion occurs but with slow-growing fungal infection.
3. Granulomatous Invasive Fungal sinusitis – In this type of fungal sinusitis granuloma formation occurs but this is a rare type of fungal sinusitis.

2) Types of Non-Invasive Fungal Sinusitis

1. Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) – When the individual has hypersensitivity for the fungal spores then that is known as AFS.
2. Mycetoma (Fungal ball) – In Fungal ball sinusitis, without tissue invasion, fungal growth occurs in the sinus cavity.