AskDocDoc
/
/
/
What to do about persistent nasal discharge and fatigue after nasal polyps surgery and aspergillus treatment?
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 32M : 37S
background image
Click Here
background image
Infectious Illnesses
Question #29111
16 days ago
65

What to do about persistent nasal discharge and fatigue after nasal polyps surgery and aspergillus treatment? - #29111

Client_335af9

In Jan 2025 when I was 32 i had surgery in Mexico for stage 4 obstructive nasal polyps and for a mass of aspergillus fumigatus that was in my frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal sinuses.The fungus was 1/2 millimeter away from my brain and was pushing my brain inwards.It had begun to inflamed the duramater of my brain. It was 1/2 cm or less away from my optic nerves. The fungus was described to me after surgery to be about the size of a fist when clumped together. After my surgery I felt better than I had felt in 20 years. Since I was 13 I had vague yet severe chronic health problems including severe fatigue, low fevers, night sweats, rotating aches and pains. After surgery i felt exceedingly well except for fatigue, night sweats, and some continuing nasal “allergies” or nasal discharge. Then in September 2025 i began feeling worse: Severe headaches, sinus congestion, and more fatigue. My neurosurgeon who is in Mexico talked to me on the phone and advised me to take an antibiotic just in case I was having bacterial infection. I took it, but felt no real improvement. He then advised me to take itraconazole just to be precautious because he was anxious that I could get aspergillus fumigatus in my brain because my brain is now exposed (with a endoscope you can see the duramater when my polyps are smaller) after sinus surgery. In January 2026 I was able to travel to Mx. There I was told my my ENT that i had grown stage 2 nasal polyps, that I had a bacterial infection, and that I had high levels of aspergillus fumigatus in my blood. High igg, igm, and ige. Was given oral steroids, steroid spray, antibiotics by my ENT. My neurosurgeon gave me 2 months of itraconazole because of the high levels of aspergillus. Both doctors told me that my house is likely having aspergillus fumigatus and an unhealthy environment for me. I initially felt much better. I spent about 1 month in Mexico.i never stopped having bright yellow snot and fatigue, but I felt pretty well. When I came home soon I started feeling worse. Very fatigued! Now I have brown cheese-like grainy balls coming out of my nose besides bright yellow snot and fairly often blood. Sometimes I wake up to swallowing and choking on balls of mucus or whatever. Sometimes I snort and grainy textured mucus runs into my throat. I’m almost 100% sure it’s fungus. But I can’t move from my house cause I live with my parents and they can’t afford their ideal house, and I don’t think the itraconazole is helping. Or do I have to keep using it ALL the time? I can’t afford to go to a doctor right now.

How long have you been experiencing your current symptoms?:

- 1-3 months

How would you describe the severity of your fatigue?:

- Moderate — affects some activities

Have you noticed any specific triggers that worsen your symptoms?:

- Environmental factors (dust, mold)

How often do you experience nasal discharge or mucus?:

- Constantly

Have you had any other symptoms accompanying the nasal issues?:

- Nothing else

Have you made any changes in your home environment since your surgery?:

- Yes, major changes

Have you previously used itraconazole for an extended period?:

- Yes, for a longer duration
FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
16 days ago
5

Your history suggests a complex and recurrent sinonasal condition, most consistent with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps complicated by prior fungal involvement (aspergillus) and possible ongoing environmental exposure. Although the initial surgery and antifungal treatment provided relief, the return of symptoms—fatigue, yellow discharge, and now brown, grainy material with occasional blood—raises concern for persistent inflammation, possible recurrent fungal colonization, or a mixed bacterial–fungal infection rather than a fully invasive fungal disease. The worsening after returning home and your sensitivity to dust or mold strongly point toward environmental triggers contributing to recurrence. The limited response to itraconazole suggests that long-term antifungal therapy alone may not be sufficient, and continuous unsupervised use is not advisable due to potential side effects. Overall, this appears to be a chronic relapsing condition requiring combined management of inflammation, infection, and environmental control rather than relying solely on antifungal medication.

1896 answered questions
60% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
15 days ago
5

Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems aspergillus infection which causes black mould or rhinosporidiosis It will require extensive medication with combination of bacterial antibiotics and topical antifungal medication I suggest you to please get in person consultation with pulmonary surgeon for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned In addition please take following precautions Avoid dust exposure by wearing mask Avoid cold food intake Tablet montair lc once a day for 3 days Tablet paracetamol 500 mg twice a day 6 hourly a day on fever only Steam twice a day for 15 days Ginger honey combination solution twice a day for 5 days Hopefully you recover soon Regards

2435 answered questions
64% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Given the complexity of your condition, it’s crucial to continue managing it carefully even when you don’t have immediate access to medical care. Persistent symptoms like nasal discharge, fatigue, and especially the colored, grainy balls you described can indeed indicate ongoing issues with either fungal or bacterial infections, possibly even inflammation due to regrowth of the polyps.

Firstly, it’s important to ensure your home environment is as free of mold as possible, especially since your past medical history suggests a sensitivity to aspergillus. While comprehensive remediation can be expensive, there are some practical steps you might consider: use dehumidifiers, particularly in damp areas, to reduce moisture levels since mold thrives in humid environments. Regularly clean and replace air filters, and ensure good ventilation in all rooms. If you can identify smaller areas with visible mold, they can be cleaned with a bleach solution or commercial mold remover.

Regarding medication, itraconazole is often used long-term for chronic aspergillosis, but it shouldn’t be used indefinitely without medical supervision due to potential side effects and liver function implications. If it’s not helping and symptoms persist, returning to a healthcare provider when possible is important to reassess your treatment plan. An antifungal susceptibility test might be needed.

Meanwhile, continuing with nasal saline irrigations (like a neti pot) might offer some relief by reducing nasal discharge and clearing out irritants. Ensure the water used is sterile or distilled to prevent infections. Also, nasal corticosteroid sprays as prescribed can help reduce inflammation and polyps regrowth, but these should be monitored by a healthcare provider over the long term.

If you experience severe symptoms like high-grade fever, vision changes, or neurological symptoms, it’s vital to seek urgent medical attention as these could indicate a severe complication. Also, maintaining optimal indoor air quality via air purifiers with HEPA filters may help reduce your exposure to dust and spores, which could alleviate some nasal symptoms.

Ultimately, when you have the means, revisiting an ENT or infectious diseases specialist locally might provide you with an updated picture of your current health status and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment path. For interim, maintaining a symptom diary detailing changes in your symptoms, and any new events can be very useful for future consultations.

19493 answered questions
91% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
15 days ago
5

Hello

Given your history of severe sinus disease with Nasal Polyps and prior infection with Aspergillosis, your current symptoms—persistent yellow discharge, grainy debris, occasional blood, and fatigue—are concerning for ongoing sinus inflammation or recurrence, but not necessarily dangerous or spreading to the brain. Recurrence after advanced sinus surgery is unfortunately common, especially when environmental mold exposure continues.

The “brown cheese-like grainy balls” you describe can represent fungal debris, dried mucus, or crusting from chronic sinus inflammation. The fact that symptoms worsen when you return home strongly supports an environmental trigger such as mold, dust, or humidity, rather than medication failure alone. Also, long-term continuous use of Itraconazole is usually not required indefinitely unless a specialist confirms invasive or allergic fungal disease.

What you can do now, even without immediate access to a doctor, is focus on controlling the local sinus environment. Daily saline nasal irrigation (using sterile or boiled-and-cooled water) is one of the most effective low-cost measures to reduce fungal debris and discharge. Continue any prescribed steroid nasal spray if you still have it, as this helps control polyp regrowth and inflammation. Try to reduce indoor mold exposure as much as possible—improving ventilation, using a dehumidifier if available, fixing leaks, and cleaning visible mold with appropriate precautions. Sleeping with the head slightly elevated can reduce nighttime choking on mucus.

It is important to know the warning signs that would require urgent medical care: severe or worsening headache different from usual, high fever, swelling around the eyes, vision changes, confusion, stiff neck, or persistent heavy nosebleeds. Those could indicate complications, which are uncommon but serious.

Overall, your symptoms most likely reflect chronic sinus inflammation with possible fungal colonization, not uncontrolled brain infection. Many people in your situation need periodic treatment cycles rather than permanent antifungal therapy. When financially possible, the most useful next step would be a nasal endoscopy or sinus culture through an ENT specialist to guide treatment precisely.

Take care

1501 answered questions
54% best answers

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


How to get cure as soon as possible? And what medication shouldi take?
how many days to recover from viral fever
how does common cold spread
is apple good for dengue
tomato fever in adults
can i get dengue twice
reasons of dengue
home remedy for tuberculosis
Face Dog bite problem again and again
chickenguniya symptoms
yellow fever vaccination in lucknow
how is typhoid spread
treatment for viral fever
signs and symptoms of chikungunya
etiology of dengue fever
which virus causes dengue
What to do for a bad sore throat, headache, stuffy nose, and stomach pain?
Howto cure chronic epididymitis in testicular walls
viral fever range
causes and symptoms of dengue
can typhoid spread
Urinary tract infection flank pain
can we eat ghee in dengue
chikungunya supportive therapy
Infección y dolor en la boca por quitarme las muelas con cirugía hace más de3 dias
how typhoid spreads
what is the dengue symptoms
Fungal infection in private area
how dengue is caused
dengue fever caused by
food good for dengue patient
best fruits for dengue patient
19-Year-Old with Headache, Eye Pain, and Fever
what is viral hepatitis
What should i eat in dengue?
Concerns About Shortness of Breath, Fast Heartbeat, and Gastrointestinal Issues
how to recover from covid fatigue
chikungunya recovery time
best fruit for dengue
Hiv tests by window period knowledge
how long does dengue fever last
causes of chikungunya
dengue fever diet
can dengue come twice
will typhoid spread
which food increase platelets in blood during dengue
typhoid spread through
how to stop vomiting in dengue
prevention of dengue fever
is typhoid contagious by touch
reason of chikungunya
Is it okay to have tests after taking ibuprofen? I have temperature 39,3
dengue fever is caused by the bite of
What medicine should I take for my fever and cold?
for how many days viral fever last
Frequent Coughing and Nose Irritation
why cold occurs
what are the symptoms of dengue fever
How long weakness last after viral fever?
dengue treatment fruits
what to eat and avoid in dengue
fever viral
sign and symptoms of viral fever
definition of viral fever
Persistent Lump Under Collarbone with Cough and Night Sweats
what causes hepatitis c
best food for dengue patient
how long does it take to recover from covid
How to reduce inflation in the body?
early symptoms of chikungunya
Am I at risk after being nipped by a stray cat?
why viral fever comes
signs of viral fever
after viral fever symptoms
dengue se bachao
does hepatitis c go away
what is symptoms of dengue
what to eat to increase platelets in dengue
is hepatitis b curable
food to avoid in dengue
dengu hone per kya karen
Do I need a rabies vaccine after a possible dog scratch if I had a booster 10 days ago?
viral fevers
Infeccin
i got viral fever
how to recover from cold fast
Viral infection fever
Perinial abscess with anal fistula
dengue fever is caused by which mosquito
I see signs of typhoid in my body
yellow fever vaccination in indore
Am I safe from Rabies after a cat nipping me?
How to cure the fungal infection?
Could Cough Medicine Be Raising My Mother's Blood Pressure?
What to do if a dog scratched me and I just got a rabies vaccine 10 days ago?
what happens in dengue
dengue diet plan
Experiencing Fever, Cold, Cough, Back Pain, and Kidney Stones
Como tratar infecção no trato urinário
what to avoid in dengue