Recurring Sinus Infection- An Explanation?

 		  
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As part of our efforts to chronicle the experiences of sinusitis sufferers, a gentleman named Carlton contributed a “Sinusitis Treatment Success” story. 

 He pointed out a study conducted by the Mayo clinic and the University of Buffalo addressing the issue of recurring sinus infection.  It states that "chronic sinusitis is an immune disorder caused by fungus."

I asked Carlton in a follow-up email if he had tested positive for fungi in previous

allergy tests, and here is his response:

“Hello Walt:

I had 2 different allergy tests, both negative.

The Mayo/U. of Buffalo research says this is not an allergic reaction like a pollen allergy, so it wouldn't show up in an allergy test. It's an over reaction to fungus by T-cells that damage the sinus lining and gives bacteria a place to grow. Most people have no reaction, but most people with chronic sinusitis do. Apparently there is a test, but ENT's are skeptical. Mine said the fungus idea was false and suggested surgery. If I was cynical, I might think his opinion was because there's no surgical solution.

This is leading edge stuff. Mayo received a patent on anti-fungal treatments.

 I decided to try this approach after everything else failed. I don't want surgery, because I've never heard of one that worked.

 I'll let you know how it goes, but so far, I feel much better.

 Carlton”

Huge Implications in the Study Results
There are huge implications in this study for those who suffer from recurring sinus infection.  This work could lead to treatments that treat the root cause of the problem for the first time.

 Another article in the Health Solutions Newsletter of Sept 2005 also referred to the Mayo Clinic/U. of Buffalo study and adds further clarification.  Their article was entitled “Mayo Clinic Announces Startling New Sinus Discovery”

“Jens Panikau, sinus researcher at Mayo Clinic, has published a new finding that explains why sinus disease persists despite so many new drugs. Dr Panikau found that the main cause of sinus symptoms was that the eosinophiles – your special cells that defend your body against infection, - get into the mucus and produce a toxic product called MBP that is made in order to kill bacteria. Unfortunately, among sinus sufferers, there is an excess of this MBP in the mucus that also damages the cells of the nose and impairs its ability to sweep bacteria out of the nose. Dr Panikau shows that it is the MBP that makes the patient sick, with fever, pain, fatigue, and secondary infections.”

Anyone who suffers from recurring sinus infection issues and who cannot find adequate relief after treatment by an otolaryngologist or after unsuccessful surgery are urged to do what Carlton has done (read more here: sinus infection treatment:

  1. Start using pulsating nasal irrigation to cleanse the nose of crusty old mucus which could be carrying toxins.  Here is a link to find the materials needed to do this procedure.  Here is an article which discusses the process in more depth: Sinus Irrigation.
  2. Test your environment to see if you are exposed to high levels of fungus.  Here is how Carlton accomplished this: Sinus Infection Treatment Success Story.
  3. If the tests are positive for fungus, try to improve your environment to lower the amount of fungus you are exposed to.  There are numerous books and articles which address this subject.

Hopefully the follow-on work of the Mayo Clinic and University of Buffalo will identify antifungal treatments that can finally go after the root cause of recurring sinus infection.  Sinus sufferers should be aware of these research efforts and be ready to discuss these findings with their ENT specialists.  Maybe serious help is finally on the way.

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