Parasites & Sinus Infections

More than 35 million people in American suffer from sinus infections every year. Sinus infections are common and typically are treated with simple prescribed drugs, but in rare cases, a sinus infection may be the cause of parasites. This rare condition typically is found in people with specific immune disorders and is much more difficult to treat.

Types

There are three primary types of sinus infections: bacterial, viral and fungal. The most common sinus infection is caused by bacteria and easily cured from a round of antibiotics. Viral is the second-most common sinus infection and cannot be treated with drugs--it must be allowed to run its course. Lastly, fungal sinusitis is rare and typically is found in areas of the country with high humidity and a warm climate. Parasitic sinusitis (sinus infection) is so rare that most major medical facilities don’t acknowledge it as a typical cause.

Conditions

Parasites & Sinus Infections

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For parasites to cause a sinus infection, the conditions must be right--such as a person with a compromised immune system or someone who already is sick and has ingested or inhaled a parasite. Parasitic sinusitis is most commonly found in people suffering from immune deficient disorders such as HIV.

Diagnosis

To diagnose parasitic sinusitis, a person must undergo invasive procedures. A doctor can identify a sinus infection by simply looking up the nose but cannot conclusively determine its cause being parasitical without taking a culture from the sinus cavity.

Prevention

Bloody Nasal Discharge & Sinusitis Symptoms

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A person with a deficient immune system needs to eat a well-balanced diet, drink at least 6-8 ounces of water daily and get eight hours of sleep a night. He or she also should live in a sterile environment with an air purification system to clean the air of any airborne dust, pollen or bacteria. The best prevention is to be seen by a doctor on a regular basis.

Complications

The outcome of a person suffering from an immune deficiency disorder with a parasitical sinus infection is not good. The sinus infection is very difficult to cure because the common drugs cannot be used. However, the sinus infection in such people usually was not the cause of death.