Black Fungus and COVID-19: Myths and Facts

What is black fungus?

Mucormycosis is a very rare but deadly fungal infection. It can be caused by being exposed to fungal spores of the mucor fungi. It can affect people with certain health issues like diabetes and weakened immune systems. These fungal spores are ubiquitous and can be found in soil, air and mucous lining in the nose and mouth of healthy people as well.

Expert physicians at House of Doctors believe black fungus cases have seen a rise due to the steroidal treatment given to a critically ill COVID-19 patient. This happens because the steroidal medications decrease the immunity of the COVID-19 patient and allows the fungus to proliferate within the body..

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What symptoms appear if you have a black fungus infection?

According to the accredited health experts at House of Doctors, the symptoms of the black fungus depends on the area which it affects. The severity of these symptoms might also be different in different individuals. If you are exposed to black fungus, you may experience the following symptoms-

• Fever
• Cough with nasal congestion
• Heaviness in chest
• Headaches
• Breathlessness
• Swelling on either side of the face
• Black lesions on nose and inside oral cavity

You may also experience-

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Blood in stools
• Loose motions
• Stomach ache

In some cases, ulcers, blisters, redness, tenderness and swelling of the skin also develop in the patients.

Who is at risk of getting infected with black fungus?

Our doctors have become a leading example in providing accurate and valuable diagnosis of black fungus cases. They have implemented intense research to provide correct information regarding the black fungus. For this purpose, our doctors explain certain categories of people which are at a higher risk of getting infected-

• People with cancer and diabetes
• People with STDs like HIV and AIDS
• People with skin injuries or those who have undergone surgery
• Patients consuming high doses of steroids or tocilizumab
• Patients on ventilators or oxygen support
• Patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms

Must Read: What to do if I have coronavirus symptoms?

How is black fungus infection treated?

Our leading surgeons briefly explain the course of medications that can be used to treat a black fungus infection. According to them, certain pre-existing conditions like diabetes are also to be controlled strictly for an effective treatment.

• A combination of strong antifungal is administered. Use of steroids drugs is reduced, diabetes is controlled and immunomodulating drugs are discontinued.
• Infusion of Amphotericin B and antifungal therapy is given. Prior to this, infusion of normal saline (IV) is given. This course is followed for 4-6 weeks.
• Along with this, hyperglycemia is controlled and blood glucose levels are continuously monitored along with other vital statistics.
• Patients on steroidal medications like deferoxamine (Desferal) are prohibited from consuming these medications.
• Generally, posaconazole or isavuconazole are the antifungal medications used for the treatment of mucormycosis.
• Additional surgical procedures are required in patients with severe symptoms and the antifungal treatment is extended from weeks to months if the symptoms don’t subside.

Team of medical professionals at HOD clarify that the antifungal mucormycosis treatment has two aims- one is to prevent the fungal infection inside the body using antifungal drugs and the other is to treat the existing medical conditions.

However, following an antifungal course might not completely treat mucormycosis and the patient might require surgery in certain cases.

At House of Doctors, you’re at no risk of black fungus infections

Surgical treatments like hernia laser surgery, piles laser surgery, cataract operations etc have been made completely COVID-19 free at HOuse of Doctors. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our eminent doctors, medical staff and employees in following strict COVID-19 guidelines. House of Doctors owns a team of leading ENT specialists, ophthalmologists, surgeons, microbiologists and intensivist neurologists which are exactly required for the management of black fungus. Not only this, all our world-class hospitals are installed with thermal screening, sanitization and sterilization facilities. Wearing of PPE by all our doctors and medical staff, frequent hand sanitization and 100% sterilized surgical equipment leave no stone unturned in keeping black fungus away. We ensure a safe and hygienic surgical atmosphere.