Looking into the future, there will be no surprises, if we have to evaluate life in general, as life during the Pre-Covid Era and life in the post Covid Era. Notwithstanding the fact that the global population still continues to bear the brunt of COVID-19 at regular intervals, doctors and scientists involved in medical research, are facing new challenges every day. One such complicated medical condition that has got everyone thinking, is Mucormycosis, better known as Black Fungus.
Mucormycosis is a fungal infection which is observed in people suffering from uncontrolled and high diabetes or weakened immunity due to prolonged illness. However, these days, it is observed in patients, who have tested positive for COVID-19 or even recovered from the disease. The possible reasons attributed by doctors for the re-emergence of Mucormycosis, are the mutated strains of Covid, as seen during its unprecedented surge this year, when compared to last year.
There are three main symptoms which need to be carefully looked at in the case of Mucormycosis.
• One sided pain, which is a severe
neurological pain, affecting sleep.
• Facial swelling
• Diminished/Blurred Vision and one eye popping out
In addition to these, the patient may experience pain in the head, face, cheek, tooth, pain behind the eye, redness of eyes, bleeding from the nose, black discharge from the nose and partial or complete loss of vision. Mucormycosis is diagnosed by taking a look at a tissue sample in the lab. In case the patient has a sinus infection, the doctor will collect a sample of phlegm and nasal discharge.
This disease is not contagious and there is remote chance of it spreading through an infected person like in the case of COVID-19.
Mucormycosis becomes severe when it starts spreading into various parts of the body at a rather rapid pace. It is therefore recommended not to ignore the slightest of the symptoms, especially in case of those, who are either active Covid patients or those, who have recovered.
While oxygen support is necessary for people suffering from COVID-19, maintaining a proper hygiene during the process of oxygenation is equally important. Experts have observed that indiscriminate supplementation of oxygen in COVID-19 cases can put a patient at risk of developing Mucormycosis. It is important to ensure cleaning of humidifiers and disinfection of surfaces to reduce the risk.
The treatment for Mucormycosis includes receiving intravenous fungal medications and surgical intervention for removal of the infected tissue. Self-care measures are extremely important to prevent Mucormycosis, especially when COVID-19 is at its peak. It is vital to follow all medical safety guidelines laid down for COVID-19 which includes, wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and practicing regular hand hygiene. For Farmers and Gardeners, who spend long hours in the field, it will be a safe practice to wear shoes, long shirts and gloves, especially while handling soil and manure. It is equally important not to ignore any additional symptom as explained earlier. A stich in time saves nine.
Source: Sagar Hospitals, Bengaluru
