Thirty-two million people in the United States suffer from chronic sinus infection, and spend billions of dollars to seek relief. Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified the cause of chronic sinus infection as nasal fungi, and have proven that a simple anti-fungal nasal spray treatment works. However, a mass market drug has yet to be created by a drug company or approved by the FDA. Dr. David Sherris, a Mayo Clinic ear, nose and throat specialist and one of the project researchers, tells us about the new research.

Everyone's sinuses harbor the fungus; however, it has different effects on many people. Some people's bodies recognize it as abnormal, and this causes an immune response similar to an allergy. The fungus doesn't invade like an infection. Rather, people develop a reaction in response to it, and some people appear to be genetically predisposed to the condition. The fungus' virulence is related to the season, and in some geographic regions, it is worse than in others. However, fungus and molds are so prevalent that it is hard to avoid them.

Researchers are developing an anti-fungal treatment to alleviate chronic sinus infection. Nasal sprays are the most promising, as they are applied directly to the area and result in few if any side effects. A study of the treatment is currently underway, and researchers are optimistic that it will pass an FDA trial and eventually be widely available to the public.