Our Summary

This research paper is about a case of a 20-year-old male patient who suffered from a rare type of fungal infection in his nose and sinus. This type of infection, called Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), typically happens to patients with an abnormal immune response to certain fungal substances. The patient had symptoms like a blocked nose, and an allergy affecting his eyes and nose.

The doctors used a CT scan to reveal a growth in his left nasal passage and a dense mass blocking his left sinus areas. They performed a surgery through the patient’s nose and removed the growth and some gunky material from his sinus areas.

When they studied the stuff they removed under a microscope, they found it had fungus in it. This confirmed the patient had AFRS. The patient recovered fully from the surgery and did not have any recurrence of the infection when checked after 14 months.

In simpler words, the study reports a rare case of a sinus and nose fungal infection, which was successfully treated with surgery. The patient recovered completely and did not get the infection again.

FAQs

  1. What is Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS)?
  2. How was the fungal infection in the patient’s nose and sinus detected and confirmed?
  3. What was the outcome of the surgery and the patient’s recovery process?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about nasal polyp removal is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include using nasal saline rinses, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to monitor for any signs of infection or recurrence.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended nasal polyp removal include those who have:

  1. Chronic sinusitis: Patients with chronic sinusitis, which is inflammation of the sinus cavities lasting for more than 12 weeks, may develop nasal polyps as a result of ongoing inflammation.

  2. Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS): Patients with AFRS, like the case discussed in the research paper, may require nasal polyp removal to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence of the fungal infection.

  3. Severe nasal congestion: Nasal polyps can cause significant nasal congestion, making it difficult for patients to breathe properly. Removal of the polyps can improve airflow and alleviate symptoms.

  4. Recurrent sinus infections: Patients who experience frequent sinus infections that do not respond to other treatments may benefit from nasal polyp removal to prevent future infections.

  5. Obstructive sleep apnea: Nasal polyps can contribute to the obstruction of the airways during sleep, leading to sleep apnea. Removal of the polyps may help improve breathing during sleep.

  6. Nasal polyps causing facial pain or headaches: Patients experiencing facial pain or headaches as a result of nasal polyps may be recommended for removal to alleviate these symptoms.

Overall, patients who have persistent nasal symptoms, such as congestion, sinus infections, or facial pain, despite other treatments, may be recommended for nasal polyp removal to improve their quality of life and prevent complications.

Timeline

Before nasal polyp removal:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as a blocked nose, allergy affecting eyes and nose
  • CT scan reveals growth in left nasal passage and dense mass blocking left sinus areas
  • Diagnosis of Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) confirmed through analysis of removed material

After nasal polyp removal:

  • Surgery performed to remove growth and gunky material from sinus areas
  • Material removed found to contain fungus, confirming AFRS diagnosis
  • Patient fully recovers from surgery and does not experience recurrence of infection after 14 months

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about nasal polyp removal include:

  1. What are the risks and benefits of the surgery for removing nasal polyps?
  2. What is the success rate of the surgery in treating nasal polyps?
  3. What is the recovery process like after the surgery?
  4. Will I need any follow-up appointments or treatments after the surgery?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or medications I should consider post-surgery to prevent recurrence of nasal polyps?
  6. How long will it take for me to notice improvements in my symptoms after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments to consider before undergoing surgery for nasal polyp removal?
  8. What can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort during and after the surgery?
  9. Will there be any restrictions on activities or diet following the surgery?
  10. How often should I schedule follow-up appointments with my doctor to monitor my condition after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Oretti G, Castellana G, Manuguerra R, Silini EM, Ferri T. Journal: Acta Biomed. 2019 Dec 23;90(4):563-567. doi: 10.23750/abm.v90i4.7832. PMID: 31910185