In a stark reminder of the potential dangers of untreated sinusitis, a recent case at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) in New Delhi has highlighted how this common condition can lead to life-threatening complications if left unchecked.

Dr. RG, a 27-year-old physician, experienced a sudden loss of vision in his right eye after months of nasal obstruction. A CT scan revealed he was suffering from nasal polyposis and fungal sinusitis, which was compressing his optic nerve within the sphenoid sinus.

Dr. Varun Rai, ENT Consultant at SGRH, explained the gravity of the situation: “These surgeries are extremely specialized because the optic nerve is very delicate and the slightest misstep can lead to permanent blindness.”

The patient underwent emergency sinus surgery with endoscopic optic nerve decompression. The fungal infection, which had spread to all sinuses and between the nerve and brain layer, was completely removed. Remarkably, Dr. RG’s vision returned to normal within two days post-surgery.

This case underscores the potential severity of untreated sinusitis. Dr. Rai said, “This case highlights the rarity of the condition and the fact that untreated sinusitis can lead to consequences that can have devastating complications.”

While such severe cases are becoming less common due to increased awareness and better diagnostic facilities, Dr. Manish Munjal, ENT Senior Consultant at SGRH, noted a concerning trend: “We’re seeing an increased incidence of such cases due to rising pollution levels, which lead to nasal allergic responses.”

Typical symptoms of sinusitis include nasal stuffiness and discharge. Doctors stress the importance of early diagnosis through endoscopic examination and CT scans.

(Inputs from ANI)