Health / Black Fungus (Mucormycosis)
What’s the Risk?
Dr. Saurabh Kamat explains about Mucormycosis and what can be done in case a person develops it
DR SAURABH KAMAT
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s Goa finds its way out of the second wave of Covid-19, doctors are slowly encountering the after-effects of the wave, even as we wait for the tide to turn and vaccination to catch up. The Government of Goa and the medical fraternity as a whole has been working tirelessly to tame the spread of this deadly virus. One such prominent postcovid manifestation is that of ‘Mucormycosis’ also known as ‘Black Fungus’. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that has a high mortality
46 | My Goa | July 2021
rate of 50 per cent and an increasing number of Covid-19 patients have been developing this infection while still at the hospital or after discharge. The success of treatment for Mucormycosis hinges on early detection and awareness amongst general public about the signs and symptoms of this black fungus. The cardinal symptoms include sinusitis, blackish nasal discharge, multiple oral sinuses with pus discharge (Fig.1), mobile teeth, facial pain, headaches, and pain around the eyes. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Covid-19 may be at risk. Patients who have been hospitalised for Covid-19 and particularly those who require oxygen therapy during Covid-19 illness are at a much higher risk of mucormycosis. Patients with uncontrolled
diabetes are at a higher risk of mucormycosis because the high blood sugar levels make it easier for the fungi to grow and survive, and their weaker immune systems offer less protection against the infection. Corticosteroids given for the treatment of Covid-19, leads to a further rise in their blood sugar levels; thus increasing the risk of mucormycosis. This combination of diabetes and Covid-19, therefore, becomes a dangerous and deadly challenge to manage. Symptoms of mucormycosis may appear non-threatening at first. But it is important that patients, their caregivers, dental surgeons or family physicians recognize these early and get the treatment required to contain the situation. The important thing is that patients speak to their doctor and follow-up if they experience any
