Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis in Saudi Arabia: A Review of Recent Literature

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) has been considered an enigma since it was first described four decades ago. Previous research has found that AFRS has multiple definitions and a poorly understood pathogenesis because it overlaps with other conditions and necessitates meticulous work and multiple diagnostic modalities to confirm the diagnosis. However, despite the expansion of medical and surgical treatments, recurrence still occurs. In this review, the recent literature on AFRS cases in Saudi Arabia with relevance to its epidemiology, diagnosis, and management was studied and compared with international data. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched for original research and review articles with local data. There is an evident paucity and contradiction between local studies regarding the epidemiology, diagnostic methods, and management of AFRS. Hence, well-defined randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed for the treatment of this chronic recurrent disease.