Mucormycosis: The Deadly Fungal Infection In COVID-19 Patients
By Shreya Gupta +2 more
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By Shreya Gupta +2 more
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In India, patients who have recovered from COVID-19 are increasingly being detected with Mucormycosis or black fungus. This is a rare fungal infection caused by a group of fungi called mucormycetes, commonly found in the environment. Though this condition is rare and attacks individuals with compromised immune systems, not treating it in time can be potentially life-threatening. This is why recovering COVID-19 patients have been falling prey to this fungal infection. COVID-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes and weaker immune systems are particularly at a higher risk of developing this condition.
Mucormycosis occurs when a person inhales the fungal spores in the air. These spores can be found both outdoors and indoors, especially in hospital settings. Mucormycosis is not a contagious disease and does not spread from an infected person or animal.
The common signs and symptoms of mucormycosis depend on the part of the body where the fungus is growing. The symptoms of mucormycosis that affect the sinus and the brain are:
The symptoms of mucormycosis that affect the lungs include:
Other symptoms of mucormycosis that affect the skin and the patient’s gastrointestinal system include:
As mentioned earlier, mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection in humans. However, one may be at a high risk of contracting this disease in the following conditions:
Also Read: 14 Simple Home Remedies For Fungal Infections
The treatment for mucormycosis needs to be quick and aggressive to reduce the effects of the disease. Prompt action reduces the amount of tissue damage and helps reverse the existing damage. The usual course of treatment includes medical and/or surgical treatments and this depends on the severity of the infection and the patient’s overall health condition.
The treatment for mucormycosis may include:
Due to the complicated nature of mucormycosis, its treatment usually requires a team of specialists, surgeons and microbiologists. It is recommended that patients do not try self-medicating for the disease at home.
Mucormycosis has a predilection for patients with comorbidities, making a few groups more vulnerable than others.
Here are a few ways by which you can prevent mucormycosis in the post-COVID-19 scenario in a patient:
Also Read: What Causes Fingernails to Split Down the Middle: A Comprehensive Examination of the Causes
As stated above, mucormycosis is a very rare disease. It rarely affects a healthy individual. Hence, it is important to consult your doctor if you suspect a mucormycosis infection. If you or anyone you know is recovering or has recently recovered from COVID-19, closely follow the signs and symptoms of mucormycosis.
The key to effective treatment of mucormycosis is prompt detection, accurate diagnosis and immediate and aggressive treatment. Patients suffering from COVID-19 or those just recovering must practise impeccable personal hygiene to prevent mucormycosis.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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