A new infection is affecting covid patients for the past few days. Black Fungal infection has affected more than 2000 people in Maharashtra, 300 in Gujarat, and killed 2 in Indore. Experts say diabetic patients are more vulnerable and if not get treatment on time can even lose eyesight or die due to black fungus.
Rising number of black fungal infection in covid patients have raised the concern more. Following this, ICMR has asked doctors to look for the possible signs of mucormycosis in covid patients especially diabetic.
Therefore it is necessary to know the symptoms of black fungus for early treatment. Read further to know all answers.
What Is Black Fungus Or Mucormycosis?
According to CDC, mucormycetes ( a group of mold) reaching the body of a healthy person causes an infection that affects his/her ability to fight germs. Such molds are commonly found around us in decayed fruits, plants, soils, and air.
Besides this, mucormycosis is also present in the human nose and mucus. People with severe health problems like cancer, HIV, diabetes, and poor immunity are more at risk of black fungal infection.
Also Read: Know Some Of The Common Prediabetes Symptoms
According to recent research, the fungus is also seen in patients who are taking excess steroids. This is because steroids lower down the ability of the body’s immune system, increase blood sugar and cause inflammation in the lungs.
Patients with the black fungal infection will see the following symptoms:
via:thefinancialexpress
- Nasal congestion
- Pain in one side of face
- Toothache
- Double or blurry vision
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Redness around the eyes
- Headache
- Blood vomits
It is also affecting the mental health of covid patients with black fungus.
Also Read: Tips To Improve Daily Mental Health
Who Are At The Risk of Black Fungal Infection?
via:everydayhealth
People with diabetes especially uncontrolled are more at risk as per the present cases. However, those with skin injury, high levels of iron, and low white blood cells are also at the risk of black fungal infection. Inhaling or skin contact with the fungal spores either via air or fungal sources are the common sources through which one can get this infection.
The good thing is it’s not contagious and can be prevented in few ways. However, a proper diagnosis is necessary that includes a CT scan of different parts of the body like the lungs and sinus.
Prevention Tips
As per CDC, people with weak immune systems should avoid:
- Going to an environment where dust is present or places with water-damaged buildings as more mucorymcetes are present there
- Activities like gardening that involves coming in direct contact with soil or dust
- Excessive use of steroids
These will not completely prevent but minimize the risk in patients. Besides this, one should keep a check on the glucose level. Drink sterile water and avoid necrotic materials.
Since diabetic patients are more vulnerable to black fungus, they should work on these 7 tips to manage diabetes:
- Lose weight if you are obese
- Get more fiber in diet
- Avoid refined carbs like soda, honey, white bread
- Say NO to smoking and alchol
- Get enough sleep
- Practice meditation and yoga to manage stress
- Add probiotics to manage glucose level
There is nothing to worry about black fungal infection if patients take proper care and get treatment on time. So, consult your doctor if you see these symptoms of black fungal infection.