Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis: A Contemporary Update.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a contemporary update on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS).

METHODS

A review article on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of AFRS was performed.

RESULTS

AFRS is a subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps characterized by noninvasive fungal hyphae, eosinophilic mucin, and a type 2 inflammatory response, resulting in significant clinical and radiographic presentations. Although a diagnostic criterion has been used since the 1990s, advances in the pathophysiology and treatment of AFRS question the specificity and applicability of such criteria. Furthermore, the development and progression of AFRS are closely associated with the social determinants of health (SDOH) with a possible genetic component that limits sinonasal antifungal activity. Surgery followed by topical corticosteroids and nasal saline irrigations remains the mainstay of treatment with immunotherapy, antifungals, and biologics having a potential role.

CONCLUSIONS

AFRS is a complex sinonasal inflammatory disease influenced by socioeconomic, genetic, and environmental factors. Future research is needed to investigate the influence of the SDOH on AFRS, advance diagnostic methods to optimize utility in everyday clinical practice and research, and elucidate the role of potential novel medical therapies in the current treatment pathway.