Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is one of the more commonly encountered forms of noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis, seen in immunecompetent individuals. It is caused by a Gell and Coombs Type I, IgE mediated (and possibly Type III) hypersensitivity reaction to an extramucosal fungal antigen. It bears striking similarities to Allergic Broncho Pulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA), in terms of pathogenesis as well as treatment. It commonly presents as nasal polyposis. Most current treatment protocols for this condition are based on a combined medical and surgical approach. In this article we have recapitulated the history, epidemiology, etiology, clinical features, diagnostic investigations and treatment protocols for this disease.