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LEARNING ABOUT AFRS
Patient Portrayal
KEY
TAKEAWAYS
- Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, or AFRS, is characterized by an allergic reaction to fungi in the sinuses caused by chronic type 2 inflammation.
- AFRS can lead to thick mucus buildup, chronic nasal congestion, and a reduced sense of smell.
- AFRS may be mistaken for other conditions, which can make diagnosis difficult.
Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is a chronic inflammatory condition CHARACTERIZED by an allergic reaction to fungi in the sinuses
AFRS is characterized by a specific type of chronic inflammation, known as type 2 inflammation.
AFRS is distinct from typical nasal polyps. While both involve inflammation in the sinuses, AFRS is characterized by an allergic reaction to fungi.
- Most common in warm, humid regions, AFRS can cause severe complications like bone erosion in sinuses.
- While surgery for AFRS can be helpful and is oftentimes the first step, nearly 40% of patients experience recurrence within a year.
- While steroids and surgery may help, they may not specifically block the underlying inflammation that causes AFRS.
DUPIXENT has been shown to help block two of the
key sources of underlying inflammation.
WHAT IS TYPE 2 INFLAMMATION?
Type 2 inflammation is a type of immune response that can become overactive and lead to chronic inflammation in the body. It can contribute to long-term conditions, like AFRS. AFRS is a condition where the body has a strong immune response to airborne fungus.
Not an actual
DUPIXENT patient.
DUPIXENT patient.
WHAT DOES AFRS
LOOK AND FEEL LIKE?
AFRS can appear in various ways and severities, so different people will experience it differently.
MEET JAMES
James is 27 and just got diagnosed with AFRS following sinus surgery, but it took him a while to get to this point. He thought it may be bad allergies or a sinus infection. It took him years and several medications and surgeries before he and his doctors could figure out it was AFRS. He had previously been prescribed oral steroids to address these symptoms:
- Thick, sticky, peanut butter-like mucus
- Nasal congestion
- Complained of loss of smell
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. AFRS can be diagnosed by a specialist based on your symptoms and medical history.
Learn more about AFRS and how DUPIXENT can help
Download this brief guide and bring it with you to your next doctor’s appointment to
discuss DUPIXENT as a treatment option
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AFRS is characterized by an exaggerated allergic response to common environmental fungi.
Symptoms
AFRS commonly affects one sinus more than the others, causing more severe blockage from mucus and polyps or symptoms on one side of the nose. This is one of the features that can help distinguish it from other sinus conditions.
The thick, sticky, dark-colored mucus (called "allergic mucin") is a classic sign of AFRS. It should be brought to the attention of your specialist.
Yes. Reduction or loss of smell (hyposmia or anosmia) is a common and often overlooked symptom of AFRS. Nasal polyps and mucus buildup can block airflow to the smell receptors. Many patients report that their sense of smell improves significantly after surgery and medical treatment, though it may not fully return in all cases.
Triggers & Causes
AFRS is characterized by an exaggerated allergic response to common environmental fungi (molds).
AFRS is more prevalent in warm, humid environments.
Diagnosis
AFRS can be difficult to diagnose because it has many overlapping symptoms to other sinus problems. Since no single test gives a definite answer, getting a clear AFRS diagnosis often takes time and multiple steps. It is important to get a proper workup and diagnosis so that an appropriate treatment can be started.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of a CT scan (to check mucus and polyps in the sinuses), allergy testing, nasal endoscopy, and sometimes, analysis of the mucus removed from the sinuses.
AFRS is commonly diagnosed and managed by an otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon), sometimes working alongside an allergist/immunologist. Your primary care doctor may also be involved in care as needed.