Question 1

What is allergic fungal sinusitis?

Accepted Answer

Allergic fungal sinusitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the sinuses caused by an allergic reaction to airborne fungi. It is caused by mold spores including Aspergillus, Alternaria, Curvularia, and other environmental fungi that trigger an excessive immune response in susceptible individuals. The Respiratory Allergy Profile for your region is the most important test for identifying specific fungal triggers causing your symptoms.

Question 2

What causes allergic fungal sinusitis?

Accepted Answer

Allergic fungal sinusitis is caused by an allergic reaction to environmental mold spores including Aspergillus, Alternaria, Curvularia, Bipolaris, and other fungi commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and damp indoor environments. When you inhale these spores, your immune system overreacts, triggering chronic inflammation in the sinus cavities. This inflammatory response causes thick mucus buildup, nasal polyps, and tissue swelling that blocks normal sinus drainage, creating a cycle of persistent symptoms.

Question 3

What is the best test for allergic fungal sinusitis?

Accepted Answer

The Respiratory Allergy Profile for your geographic region is the most important test for allergic fungal sinusitis because it identifies the specific molds and fungi triggering your allergic response. This blood test measures IgE antibodies to common environmental molds like Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Cladosporium that are prevalent in your area. Knowing exactly which fungi you are allergic to helps your doctor create a targeted treatment plan including specific environmental avoidance strategies and antifungal therapies. While imaging studies and sinus tissue samples are needed for definitive diagnosis, allergy testing is essential for identifying your specific triggers and preventing symptom recurrence.

Question 4

When should I get tested for allergic fungal sinusitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have chronic sinus congestion lasting more than 12 weeks that does not respond to standard treatments, especially if you notice thick, discolored nasal discharge or decreased sense of smell. Testing is particularly important if you experience facial pain or pressure that worsens in damp environments or during certain seasons, or if you have a history of asthma or other allergies. Get tested promptly if you have recurrent sinus infections requiring multiple rounds of antibiotics, as this pattern often indicates an underlying fungal allergy rather than bacterial infections.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of allergic fungal sinusitis?

Accepted Answer

The main symptoms include chronic nasal congestion, thick mucus discharge that may appear dark or greenish, facial pressure or pain especially around the cheeks and forehead, and a decreased or lost sense of smell. You might also experience headaches, postnasal drip, coughing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing through your nose. Many people notice their symptoms worsen in humid weather, during certain seasons when mold counts are high, or in damp indoor environments like basements.

Question 6

Who is at risk for allergic fungal sinusitis?

Accepted Answer

People with existing allergies, asthma, or atopic conditions like eczema have a higher risk of developing allergic fungal sinusitis. Those living in warm, humid climates or areas with high environmental mold exposure face increased risk, as do individuals who work outdoors or in damp indoor environments. Young to middle-aged adults are most commonly affected, and having a family history of allergies increases your susceptibility. Living in mountainous regions of the western United States where specific mold species thrive also elevates your risk.

Question 7

What happens if allergic fungal sinusitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated allergic fungal sinusitis leads to progressive sinus damage, including chronic inflammation that can permanently impair your sense of smell and taste. The condition often causes nasal polyps to develop and grow larger over time, potentially blocking sinus drainage completely and creating chronic infections. Severe cases can result in bone erosion in the sinuses and surrounding structures, and may cause the infection to spread beyond the sinuses. Long-term untreated allergic fungal sinusitis significantly impacts quality of life through persistent facial pain, chronic fatigue, and breathing difficulties.

Question 8

Can allergic fungal sinusitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot diagnose allergic fungal sinusitis by themselves, but allergy blood testing plays a crucial supporting role in the diagnostic process. These tests identify which specific molds and fungi you are allergic to by measuring IgE antibodies in your blood. A definitive diagnosis requires a combination of blood allergy testing, CT imaging showing characteristic sinus patterns, and examination of sinus mucus or tissue samples. The blood test results help confirm the allergic component and guide your treatment plan once the diagnosis is established.

Question 9

How is allergic fungal sinusitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment typically involves oral and nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, often combined with antifungal medications to address the fungal component. Many patients require endoscopic sinus surgery to remove thick mucus, polyps, and fungal debris that block sinus drainage. After surgery, ongoing treatment includes nasal rinses with saline or medicated solutions, allergy medications, and sometimes immunotherapy for specific mold allergies. Environmental control measures to reduce mold exposure in your home and workplace are essential for preventing recurrence.

Question 10

How can I prevent allergic fungal sinusitis?

Accepted Answer

Control indoor humidity levels below 50% using dehumidifiers, especially in basements and bathrooms where mold thrives. Fix water leaks promptly, ensure proper ventilation in damp areas, and clean visible mold with appropriate solutions. Use HEPA air filters in your home and avoid outdoor activities when mold counts are high, particularly during fall and spring. If you know you are allergic to specific molds, take preventive allergy medications during high-exposure seasons and consider wearing a mask when doing yard work or handling compost.

Question 11

What can I do at home for allergic fungal sinusitis?

Accepted Answer

Use daily saline nasal rinses to flush out mucus and allergens from your sinuses, which helps reduce inflammation and prevent mucus buildup. Run a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom and main living areas to filter out mold spores. Apply warm compresses to your face several times daily to ease sinus pressure and pain. Stay well-hydrated to help thin mucus secretions, and avoid known triggers like damp environments or areas with visible mold. Keep your living space clean and dry, and wash bedding weekly in hot water to reduce allergen exposure.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis Blood Test

What is Allergic fungal sinusitis?

What causes allergic fungal sinusitis?

What is the best test for allergic fungal sinusitis?

When should I get tested for allergic fungal sinusitis?

References

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