Sinusitis Blood Test

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus cavities causing facial pressure, congestion, and headaches. It is caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or allergic reactions to environmental molds like Alternaria alternata and Rhizopus nigricans. The Alternaria alternata (m6) IgG test is the most important test for identifying mold allergies that trigger chronic sinusitis.

RECOMMENDED TEST Alternaria alternata (m6) IgG
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Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
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No need to visit a doctor
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What causes sinusitis?

Sinusitis is caused by inflammation and swelling of the sinus lining, which can result from viral infections, bacterial infections, or allergic reactions. Viral upper respiratory infections are the most common trigger, causing the sinus passages to become blocked and filled with fluid. Environmental allergens like mold spores (Alternaria alternata and Rhizopus nigricans), dust mites, pollen, and pet dander can trigger chronic sinusitis in allergic individuals. When allergens enter the nasal passages, they cause the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals that inflame the sinus tissues, leading to persistent congestion, facial pressure, and mucus production that can last for months.

What is the best test for sinusitis?

The Alternaria alternata (m6) IgG test is the most important blood test for chronic sinusitis because it detects antibodies to one of the most common environmental molds that trigger ongoing sinus inflammation. This test identifies whether your immune system is reacting to Alternaria alternata mold, which grows on plants, soil, and damp indoor environments. The Allergen Specific (m11) IgG Rhizopus nigricans test is also essential for comprehensive allergy evaluation, as it detects antibodies to another common mold that causes chronic sinus problems. These tests help identify the specific allergens contributing to your sinusitis, allowing you to take targeted action through environmental control measures and appropriate treatment. While sinusitis itself is diagnosed through clinical examination and imaging, these blood tests reveal the underlying allergic triggers that keep symptoms coming back.

When should I get tested for sinusitis?

You should get tested if you experience sinus symptoms that last longer than 12 weeks despite treatment, have frequent sinus infections that occur four or more times per year, or notice that your symptoms worsen in certain environments like basements or during humid weather. Testing is especially important if over-the-counter decongestants and nasal sprays provide only temporary relief, or if you have other allergic conditions like asthma or eczema alongside your sinus problems. Consider testing if you wake up with facial pressure and congestion, experience post-nasal drip that causes chronic cough, or notice thick discolored nasal discharge that keeps returning. Early identification of mold allergies can help you modify your environment and prevent the cycle of chronic inflammation.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?
Sinusitis symptoms include facial pain and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead that worsens when bending forward. You might notice thick yellow or green nasal discharge, nasal congestion that makes breathing difficult, and reduced sense of smell or taste. Many people experience post-nasal drip that causes sore throat and coughing, especially at night. Other common symptoms include headache, ear pressure or fullness, upper jaw and tooth pain, fatigue, and bad breath. Acute sinusitis symptoms last less than four weeks, while chronic sinusitis persists for 12 weeks or longer despite treatment attempts.
Who is at risk for sinusitis?
People with allergies to environmental triggers like mold, pollen, and dust mites have significantly higher risk for developing chronic sinusitis. Those with asthma, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum are more susceptible because these conditions block normal sinus drainage. Individuals with weakened immune systems, cystic fibrosis, or other conditions affecting the respiratory tract face increased risk. Frequent exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes can trigger sinus inflammation. People who spend time in damp or moldy environments, including older homes with water damage, are at higher risk for mold-related sinusitis.
What happens if sinusitis is left untreated?
Untreated chronic sinusitis can lead to persistent facial pain, ongoing fatigue, and significantly reduced quality of life that affects work, sleep, and daily activities. The constant inflammation can worsen asthma symptoms and trigger more frequent asthma attacks in people with both conditions. In rare cases, severe untreated sinusitis can spread to surrounding structures, causing eye infections that may affect vision, bone infections, or meningitis. Chronic sinus inflammation creates an environment where bacterial infections develop more easily, leading to a cycle of repeated infections that become harder to treat. Long-term inflammation can also cause permanent changes to the sinus tissues, including the development of nasal polyps that further block drainage and worsen symptoms.
Can sinusitis be diagnosed with a blood test?
Sinusitis itself is diagnosed through clinical examination of your symptoms, physical examination of your nasal passages, and sometimes imaging studies like CT scans. However, blood tests play an essential role in identifying the underlying allergic causes of chronic sinusitis. The Alternaria alternata (m6) IgG and Allergen Specific (m11) IgG Rhizopus nigricans tests measure antibodies to specific molds that commonly trigger chronic sinus inflammation. These blood tests help determine whether your recurring sinusitis is driven by allergic reactions to environmental molds, allowing your healthcare provider to develop a targeted treatment plan that addresses the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.
How is sinusitis treated?
Sinusitis treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Acute viral sinusitis often improves with supportive care including nasal saline rinses, steam inhalation, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Bacterial sinusitis may require antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider. For allergy-related chronic sinusitis, treatments include nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation, oral antihistamines to control allergic reactions, and environmental modifications to reduce mold exposure. Your doctor might recommend allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) for long-term management if blood tests reveal specific mold allergies. Decongestants can provide short-term relief but should not be used for more than a few days. In severe cases resistant to medical treatment, endoscopic sinus surgery may be necessary to improve drainage.
How can I prevent sinusitis?
Prevent sinusitis by controlling environmental allergens, especially if blood tests show mold allergies. Use dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity below 50%, fix water leaks promptly, and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent mold growth. Clean or replace HVAC filters regularly and use HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms and living spaces. Practice good hand hygiene to avoid viral infections that trigger acute sinusitis. Stay hydrated to keep mucus thin and promote drainage, and use a humidifier during dry winter months to prevent nasal passages from drying out. Avoid cigarette smoke and other irritants that inflame sinus tissues. Regular nasal saline rinses can flush out allergens and irritants before they cause inflammation.
What natural remedies help with sinusitis?
Natural remedies can provide relief from sinusitis symptoms alongside medical treatment. Nasal saline irrigation using a neti pot or squeeze bottle flushes mucus and allergens from nasal passages and reduces inflammation. Steam inhalation with a bowl of hot water or a warm shower helps loosen mucus and open sinus passages. Warm compresses applied to the face can ease facial pain and pressure. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and clear broths keeps mucus thin and easier to drain. Foods rich in antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation. Some people find relief with essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint in steam inhalation, though scientific evidence is limited. Getting adequate sleep and managing stress support immune function and may help prevent recurrent infections.
How’s this work?
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Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
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  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
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Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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Alternaria alternata (m6) IgG
Google reviews 505 reviews
$251 $196
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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