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Black Fungus Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Black fungus, also known as Mucormycosis, is a rare but dangerous infection. Black fungus is caused by getting into contact with fungus spores in the environment. It can also form in the skin after the fungus enters through a cut, scrape, burn, or another type of skin trauma.
What are the symptoms of black fungus?
The black fungus symptoms will vary depending on where the fungus is growing in your body. They may include the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling on one side of your face
- Headache
- Sinus congestion
- Black lesions on the top of the nose or the inside of the mouth
- Belly pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Blood in your stool
- Diarrhea
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Get A Second OpinionWhat causes black fungus?
Exposure to Fungal Spores :
Inhalation, ingestion, or entry through cuts or wounds can introduce fungal spores into the body.
Weakened Immune System :
Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplant recipients, are more susceptible to mucormycosis.
Uncontrolled Diabetes :
Poorly managed diabetes, especially with elevated blood sugar levels, can increase the risk of fungal infections like mucormycosis.
Steroid Therapy :
Use of corticosteroids, particularly in high doses or for prolonged periods, can weaken the immune system and predispose individuals to fungal infections.
COVID-19 and Steroids :
Patients with severe COVID-19 who received steroid therapy as part of their treatment regimen may have an increased risk of developing mucormycosis.
Underlying Health Conditions :
Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease , or malnutrition, can compromise the body's ability to fight off fungal infections.
Medical Procedures :
Invasive medical procedures, such as prolonged use of ventilators, catheters, or surgeries, can create opportunities for fungal spores to enter the body and cause infection.
Environmental Exposure :
Exposure to environments contaminated with fungal spores, such as construction sites, agricultural areas, or areas with poor sanitation, can increase the risk of mucormycosis.
Iron Overload :
Conditions associated with excessive iron levels in the body, such as hemochromatosis or iron chelation therapy, may predispose individuals to fungal infections.
Immunosuppressive Medications :
Use of immunosuppressive medications, such as those used in autoimmune diseases or after organ transplantation, can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to fungal infections.
Treatment For Black Fungus
- Mucormycosis treatment must be fast and aggressive. The concern is due to the fact that by the time even a presumptive diagnosis is made, the patient has often suffered significant tissue damage which cannot be reversed.
- Most patients will need surgical and medical treatment.
- Most infectious disease experts say that without aggressive surgical debridement of the infected area, the patient is likely to die.
- Medicines play an important role. Two main aims are sought simultaneously: antifungal drugs to slow or stop the fungal spread and drugs to treat debilitating underlying diseases.
- Amphotericin B (initially intravenous) is the usual drug of choice for antifungal therapy. Posaconazole or isavuconazole can treat mucormycosis.
- Patients may even require an intravenous antifungal procedure lasting 4 -6 weeks.
- Patients with underlying diseases like diabetes need to be in optimal control of their diabetes.
- Patients normally on steroids or taking deferoxamine (Desferal; used to remove excess iron from the body) are likely to have these drugs stopped because they can increase the survival of fungi in the body.
- Patients may need additional surgeries and usually need antifungal treatment for an extended period (weeks to months) depending on the severity of the disease.
How to prevent black fungus?
- Practice good hygiene.
- Control underlying health conditions.
- Monitor blood sugar levels.
- Limit steroid use.
- Maintain oral hygiene.
- Minimize environmental exposure.
- Protect open wounds.
- Use personal protective equipment.
- Seek prompt medical attention.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, black fungus, or mucormycosis, can be harmful to humans, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. It can cause serious infections, particularly in the sinuses, lungs, and brain.
Mucormycosis is often referred to as black fungus due to the characteristic dark color of the fungal growth in infected tissues. This dark appearance is caused by the presence of fungal spores and tissue necrosis.
Yes, mucormycosis is commonly known as black fungus. It is a serious fungal infection caused by molds belonging to the Mucorales order, which can lead to tissue necrosis and potentially life-threatening complications.
Covid-19 patients, patients with uncontrolled diabetic Mellitus (DM), Type 2 DM patients on high steroid therapy, patients receiving Immunosuppressive therapy, and patients in ICU for a long time, on oxygen therapy and with high ferritin are all high-risk categories for black fungus.
Mucormycosis is a potentially fatal condition that causes blurred or double vision, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. It is most common in COVID-19 patients.
The medication needed to cure the virus could not be obtained from a medical shop since it could not be treated at home.
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