Before the pandemic, black fungus was not very common and was only observed in diabetic patients. Mucor is a species of fungus that causes fungal infection. Based on the area affected, the fungus is classified into different types. Firstly, there is rhinosinusitis that mainly affects the nose and sinus area. Second, if it involves the lungs being affected, it is known as pulmonary mucormycosis. The third type is known as skin mucormycosis as it targets the skin. There are many reasons that have contributed towards the immense surge in black fungus cases in India and one of them is the immunocompromised status in the public which is a result of the ongoing pandemic.
After black fungus, we now have white fungus. What is white fungus?
White fungus is another type of fungus which is scientifically known as Candida. It is a yeast-like fungus that affects parts of the body and leaves behind a white spot a few days after infection, unlike black fungus, that leaves a black spot after infecting the area. White fungus usually infects people that have gone through an organ transplant, immunocompromised or have had an overuse of steroids. Aspergillus is a mold type of fungus also responsible for white fungus.
What are the possible reasons for fungal infections? Why are they more prevalent in today’s time?
There are many reasons for fungal infections and one of them is having a weak immune system which is known as immunocompromised state. The second reason is diabetes. It is a condition wherein sugar levels are abnormally high which can lead to mucormycosis. The third reason is the overuse of mask because of the pandemic. Maintaining mask hygiene is difficult. Putting on mask for long hours in the presence of heat and humidity results in moisture being collected within the mask which further becomes a breeding ground for fungal infection. Health experts advise that a mask should not be worn for a long period of time and should be changed after a couple of hours in order to avoid moisture within the mask.
What are the symptoms of black fungus?
Symptoms of black fungus depends on the part of the body the fungus is growing. As stated earlier, fungal infections can take place in different parts of the body such as the nasal cavity, lungs and skin. The symptoms observed in case of infection around the nose and sinus area are blackening of nose, swelling on one side of the face, tooth pain, pain around nasal cavity or cheek area or difficulty in chewing. In case the fungus spreads to the eyes, it is known as orbital involvement which can result in loss of vision. If the fungus reaches the brain via the nasal cavity, it leads to neurobiological problems. The symptoms caused by black fungus in lungs are discharge of blood along with sputum.
Is self-diagnosis a good option? What are some of the tests that can be used to identify black fungus?
If at all an individual suffers from any of the symptoms listed above, he/she must immediately consult a doctor as self-diagnosis can often be inaccurate. There are a few relevant tests that are used by doctors to identify black fungus with one of them being KOH test. KOH is an alkaline base solution that dissolves skin elements from the scrapping taken as sample leaving behind the fungus which can be seen from a microscope. Another test that is used to identify black fungus is fungal culture which helps determine what species of fungus is growing in the area.
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What imaging or radiological methods are available for the diagnosis of black fungus?
MRI is the best available modality to diagnose black fungus. Currently, MRI with contrast and without contrast, both are being used to determine the spread of the fungus. Once the body’s immunity is low, black fungus starts attacking the body and spreads towards the adjoining areas rapidly. If the fungus has infected the nasal cavity, there is a possibility that it might affect the eyes or the brain too. Infection on skin is visible to the naked eye, however, infection in the eyes and brain is not which is why an MRI scan is needed for diagnosis.
What are the symptoms that can help in self-diagnosis? Is it better to consult a physician or ENT specialist before doing an MRI Scan?
Consulting a physician or ENT specialist before an MRI Scan is a better choice. The symptoms that can help in self-diagnosis are painful swelling around the nasal cavity and eyes, skin decolorization, difficulty in blinking, low vision, mental deterioration and epilepsy. In case an individual is suffering from any one of these symptoms, he/she can directly go for an MRI Scan.
How does diabetes lead to black fungus?
One of the main health issues that is often overlooked in India is diabetes. If a diabetic person is infected by covid-19, the medications that are usually given to patients cannot be used by them as they contain steroids that could result in mucormycosis. If blood glucose is high in a person, they cannot consume steroids and have to control their sugar levels.
Why early diagnosis of black fungus important?
In most cases, there is a shortage of drugs, staff and equipment as a result of which, the part of the body infected by the fungus has to be removed in order to stop the spread of infection. It is important that early diagnosis of black fungus is done to prevent further growth of the fungus and surgical removal of the body part.
What can we do to prevent it?
One of the most important ways to prevent black fungus is to avoid overuse of steroids. Some practitioners who have little or no knowledge tend to prescribe steroids to patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms of COVID which is one of the main reasons for the growth of black fungus in the body. Another way of avoiding black fungus is to maintain hygiene with respect to masks. Masks should not be worn for longer periods and should be continuously replaced with new or cleaner ones. In case of any visible symptoms, consult a doctor at once for thorough diagnosis and treatment. Daily exercise, healthy diet, multivitamin tablets and a healthy lifestyle are important to keep the immune system strong and to fight these diseases.
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