A clinicopathological study of fungal diseases in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and sinonasal polyposis

Abstract

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a ubiquitous medical condition that has both individual and financial impacts, severely affecting the quality of life. A fungus instigated CRS is fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) is becoming increasingly incident in recent years. However, the lack of knowledge in the etiology, pathogenesis, and natural history of the FRS complicates the disease management plan. : To study the prevalence of Fungal Diseases in all cases of Sinonasal polyposis and chronic rhino-sinusitis admitted for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: This research focuses on the clinical, microbiological, and radiological analysis of FRS patients for two years. Age, gender, and occupational categorization of FRS patients were done and assessed the risk factors were based on sinus involvements based on radiology and systemic diseases. : The incidence of FRS in 156 patients was higher in males within the age group of 30-40 (28%) and lower economic groups (38%). Symptoms like nasal obstruction (85%) and headache (56%) were predominantly observed. The involvement of multiple sinuses was confirmed through radiology studies. Microbiological tests revealed fungi in 18 samples (11.5%) through direct culture results and potassium hydroxide mount culture study. While Aspergillus genus pre-dominated etiological identification, A. flavus was more common in occurrence (65%), owing to the environment and living conditions that favor the exposure of spores. A recurrence study post-study period came up negative. : A detailed pathophysiological analysis could improve the understanding of the disease prognosis that could avoid developing complications and indiscreet administration of antibiotics, thereby improving the quality of life.