Chronic Sinusitis is Immune Response to Fungus
 (HealthDayNews, 3/24/04)

Sinusitis is characterized by a mucosal swelling that constricts the nasal passages, inhibiting mucus drainage and thereby causing discomfort and potential infection. Some scientists believe that an overreaction of the immune system to a common fungus may play a role in this condition. To test this theory, Dr. David Sherris of the University of Buffalo and colleagues at the Mayo clinic enlisted 24 chronic sinusitis sufferers and assigned ten to take the antifungal, Amphotericin, in the form of a nasal-spray, twice daily; while the other 14 took a placebo. The researchers reported that, after six months, the anti-fungal group demonstrated a reduction in symptoms, including a 9% decrease in mucosal thickening; whereas, the placebo group’s mucosal thickening increased an average of 2.5%.