Also known as Black Fungus
ABOUT THE DISEASE
Mucormycosis, commonly known as Black fungus, is a rare fungal infection. It is being increasingly seen in this covid-19 pandemic. People prone to the infection are the ones undergoing oxygen therapy in ICU, have comorbidity like diabetes, have been given steroids.
SYMPTOMS
Depend on which body area is affected:
- • discolouration of the nose and tongue
- • one sided facial swelling
- • blurry vision/redness in eyes
- • breathing problems
- • chest pain
- • coughing along with blood
- • fever/ headache
- • abdominal pain/nausea/vomiting
CAUSES
Black fungus infection is a very rare infection. It is caused by exposure to mucor mould(mucormycetes), which is generally found in soil, plants, manure, decaying fruits and vegetables. It is even found in the air and nose and mucus of healthy people, say experts.
The infection can affect the sinuses, brain,GIT and lungs. Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems (eg. Diabetes, cancer, organ transplant) or take medicines that lower the body’s immunity. If not treated on time, it can be life-threatening. It is not contagious.
DIAGNOSIS
- Fungal culture
- CT/MRI
TREATMENT METHODS
Amphotericin-B injection is the mainstay of treatment for this fungal infection.
If infected, the patient has to be kept under the strict supervision of eye surgeons, ENT specialists and neurosurgeons as the infection affects different parts of the body simultaneously.
As a part of the life-saving procedures, all the infected tissues should be surgically removed. Hence, some people may end up losing their eyesight/eye/ upper jaw.
To prevent the infection, take care to:
Control high blood sugar levels
Monitor blood sugar level regularly post-recovery
Use clean, sterile water in the humidifier for oxygen therapy
Use steroids and antifungal medicines only when prescribed by the doctor
You may also like to learn about:
COVID-19
Candidiasis
Sinusitis
Fungal Skin Infection
Eye Infection
Fever