Black fungus is a very dangerous infection, which used to happen to very few people till now, but in the last few days, it has made Covid-19 patients fast victims.
The rising cases of Black Fungus amid the second wave of Covid-19 have raised concerns. In many parts of the country, many people have died due to this and in Maharashtra only 90 people have died due to this. In such a day, the Central Government has requested the states to declare it an epidemic under the Pandemic Act 1897. Black fungus (mucarmycosis) is such a dangerous infection, which has been happening to very few people till now. One in a million had this infection. But during the last few days, this infection has spread very rapidly in patients infected with corona.
This is such a dangerous infection that about half of its victims die. Some such cases have also come to light, in which patients have to be removed even to save their eyes. Most cases of black fungus are coming in diabetic people. In such a situation, they need to be cautious and keep checking their sugar level regularly.
These patients are the most at risk
- In patients with diabetes who are being given steroids.
- Patients being treated for cancer.
- Patients taking steroids in moderation.
- Corona infected who are on oxygen support through oxygen masks or ventilators.
- Patients whose immunity is very low.
- Patients who have been transplanted to an organ.
These symptoms can be caused by black fungus
Dr. Shweta Budayal, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, told the Indian Express that black fungus usually affects the sinuses, brain and lungs. Although according to Budayal, oral cavity or black fungus of the brain is most likely to be affected, in many cases it can also affect other parts of the body such as the gastrointestinal tract, skin and other organ systems of the body. According to Dr. Budyal, if any of these symptoms are there, then black fungus should be examined.
- Nasal congestion or bleeding from the nose or something black.
- Pain in cheek bones, face pain, numbness or swelling on one side.
- Blackening of the upper surface of the nose.
- Loose teeth
- Eye pain, blurred or double vision. Swelling around the eyes.
- Thrombosis, necrotic lesions
- Chest pain or difficulty in breathing.
Cases of black fungus increasing in corona infections
Cases of corona infection have increased rapidly in many parts of the country and in the meantime, cases of black fungus have also started increasing. Talking to Financial Express Online, Dr. Uday Phadke, Director (Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes) and Endocrinologist and Diabetologist of Pune-based Sahyadri Hospitals said that one or two cases of black fungus used to occur in the first year, but now only in Pune’s Sahyadri Hospitals 30-35 cases are coming in a month. That means one case every day.
Cases of black fungus are increasing due to these reasons
- According to Dr. Shweta, steroids are being used in the treatment of corona, due to which the level of sugar is increasing. The possibility of infection of black fungus increases if the sugar level increases and there is no physical activity.
- The use of steroids reduces the body’s immunity, causing the body’s immune system to function effectively against black fungus.
- According to Dr. V Mohan, Chief Consultant and Chairman of Diabetes Specialties Center, Chennai, besides diabetes, cases of black fungus are also increasing due to hygiene and contaminated equipment. Dr. Mohan says that corona cases are coming up so much that hygiene is not being given much attention in hospitals. Due to this, there is a possibility of fungus accumulating on the equipment.
Caution required in the treatment of black fungus
- According to Dr. Shweta, it is very important to detect black fungus in early stage in diabetic patients. He says that giving more strong medicines to diabetic people also poses a risk of adverse effects on their kidneys or other organs.
- According to Dr. Shweta, those corona infected who are having black fungus should be given steroid doses very carefully at the time of treatment and after recovery.
- According to Dr. Phadke, black fungus should be treated in three stages. In the first phase, the cause of infection should be ascertained and should be removed and the sugar level and acidosis should be checked. After this, dead tissue should be removed aggressively through surgery, so that the fungus can be prevented from spreading. After this, appropriate medicines should be given.
