In the midst of the ongoing situation of pandemic Covid 19 India is facing the threat of black and white fungus. After the cases of Covid 19 the country is facing the challenge of rise in the cases of fungal infection too. These fungal infections are rare in nature. White and black funguses are not new in the environment. They are already present in the atmosphere in the form of moulds. Due to certain changes in the atmosphere makes them active.
Covid patients with health problems such as diabetes, kidney and heart are at higher risk of getting black fungus. White fungus or Aspergillosis is again considered to be threat to human life that has come up along with black fungus. As per the medical experts the white fungus is more dangerous than black fungus.
What are Black & White Fungus causes ?
Main cause of the infection is due fungi present in the environment. The severity and the effect of black fungus and white fungus on various body differ in each case. After the outbreak of the second wave of Covid-19 the number of cases of fungal infection has also increased.
What is White Fungus ?
It is not a contagious disease but people with compromised immune system especially people suffering with diseases like diabetes, cancer, or other deadly diseases are prone to come in contact with the fungal infection. It can also be caused if human beings come to contact with water or unsanitary environment which carries the moulds of white fungus also caused when a person inhales the moulds from the environment. The fungus becomes more complicated when it reaches the vital parts of the body affecting the major organs.
What is Black fungus ?
Mucormycosis is a rare but a dangerous fungal disease. Mucormycosis is caused by mucor mould present in soil, plants, decaying fruits and vegetables. The major cause of increase in the number of black fungus cases are overuse of the steroids during the treatment of covid-19. The steroids used during treatment give rise to the sugar level in the body. As a result diabetic patients have low immunity power. In this condition the body becomes prone to get attacked by fungal infection. It generally affects the nasal cavity of the person. It affects the eyes and the infection can even reach the brain.
Difference Between Black & White Fungus Symptoms
White fungus Symptoms– Alike Covid 19 white fungus too is affecting the lungs and the chest of the patient. Thus the patients would show the following symptoms if suffering with white fungus
- Cough
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Dark spots on lungs, reduced oxygen level
- Swelling
- Infections
- Persistent headaches
- Pains
Black fungus Symptoms – Mucormycosis is primarily affecting patients after the recovery of Covid 19. The major symptoms of black fungus are-
- Nasal blockage
- Bleeding
- Discharge from nose
- Facial pain
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Blurring of vision
- Double vision or watery eyes
It can even result in loss of vision. A person can even face difficulty in chewing and opening of the mouth.
Black & white Fungus Treatment
White fungus– White fungus is detected through X- Ray and C.T. scan and then the doctors prescribe anti fungal treatment for recovery. White fungus is commonly curable with anti fungal drugs.
Black fungus– A person suffering with black fungus should immediately consult an ENT specialist. The patients are prescribed anti-fungal drug Amphotericin-B for treating black fungus. In some cases doctors even perform surgery to cure from the disease.
Necessary precautions to take to avoid fungal attack
The main reason for the rise of fungal cases during the pandemic period is the overuse of steroids. Steroids are contributing in the rise of sugar level in the body. Patients who have been on the ventilator for longer duration of time have weak immunity. Even the patients who are already suffering with cancer or other deadly are at a higher risk of catching the disease.
Fungal infection can be prevented by keeping the surroundings clean. One should be aware that there is no stale food in our close environment. Proper sanitation should be taken during the time of treatment of Covid-19.
Note : For more Fungal & Covid Related info you can visit the Ministry of Health & family Welfare Website Here. You Can Also stay in touch with us by following Health Section.