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Black Fungus Treatment & Diagnosis
Black Fungus Treatment
Black fungus diagnosis is challenging because the symptoms are common to several other conditions. It’s diagnosis hence involves a detailed patient history, a thorough clinical evaluation, and a variety of specialised tests. A diagnosis is made by identifying the mold in the affected tissue by fungal culture. It is important to diagnose this condition as early as possible for a better prognosis.
Clinical testing and workup
Black fungus diagnosis test include:
- Endoscopic examination of the nose
This is a black fungus diagnosis test includes a thin flexible tube with a tiny camera and light, called an endoscope is inserted into the nose. This allows the doctor to look at the nose and sinus passages.
- A biopsy of a swab taken from the nose
A swab is inserted into the nostril of the patient and rotated in place to obtain a sample of the tissue. This is then sent for examination under a microscope by a trained microbiologist. This examination can show the presence of the mold.
- CT / MRI scan
A CT or MRI scan may also be used to indicate certain changes that can indicate mucormycosis infection. This along with the clinical findings can help clinch the diagnosis.
Time is of utmost importance in the treatment of Mucormycosis and the investigative processes take no more than one day to produce reports.
- Black Fungus Treatment
The process of black fungal disease treatment is teamwork involving an ENT (Ear, nose, throat) specialist, ophthalmologist, neurologist and radiologist. If black fungal disease is suspected, the patient should receive medical attention at the earliest. Mucormycosis treatment at home should not be attempted without medical advice. Treatment for black fungus post diagnosis should happen at a medical center with advanced facilities.
For black fungal infection treatment, the ENT surgeon has to aggressively debride the necrotic or dead tissue from the nose and the sinus. In case, the eye is involved, then the fungal material from around the eye also has to be removed.
In other cases, where advanced black fungus treatment is required, the entire orbit or the space around the eye is also involved, the eye has to be removed in a process called orbital exenteration.
Be it the eye or upper jaw, these can be replaced with appropriate artificial substitutes or prostheses. While prosthetic replacement of the missing facial structures can commence once the patient stabilizes after surgery, it is important to reassure patients about the availability of such interventions instead of leaving them to panic with the sudden unforeseen loss, augmenting a post-Covid stress disorder which is already a reality.
Along with the surgery, treatment for black fungus will also include the administration of antifungal medication. The most commonly used medication is Amphotericin B. Initially, this medicine is infused intravenously and if the patient shows improvement, they can be shifted to oral antifungal medication.
Doctors will also treat the underlying risk factors that are associated with mucormycosis infection.
Black fungus treatment in advanced cases can lead to loss of the upper jaw and sometimes even the eye. Patients would need to come to terms with the loss of function due to a missing jaw — difficulty with chewing, swallowing, facial aesthetics, and loss of self-esteem.
Be it the eye or upper jaw, these can be replaced with appropriate artificial substitutes or prostheses. While prosthetic replacement of the missing facial structures can commence once the patient stabilizes after surgery, it is important to reassure patients about the availability of such interventions instead of leaving them to panic with the sudden unforeseen loss, augmenting a post-Covid stress disorder which is already a reality.
FAQ
What are some tips to manage the spread of black fungus?
Above, we have mentioned some of the many options for black fungus treatment. Now, let us delve into how to prevent it from actively spreading:
- To avoid getting mucormycosis or black fungus, patients should take the following precautions, some of which will apply to COVID patients as well. In addition, other preventive measures contain advice for everyone to ensure optimal health.
- When visiting dusty places or construction sites, wear a face mask to avoid producing excessive mucus and inhaling fungal spores that could induce black fungus symptoms.
- Mucor, a chemical present in decaying plants, vegetables, fruits, and in gardens with manure, soil, and plants, are often viewed as the leading causes of mucormycosis. Therefore, ensure you take stern preventive measures in such surroundings.
- When out in nature or working with dirt and manure, wear protective shoes, long trousers, full-sleeved t-shirts, and gardening gloves to keep safe and avoid catching symptoms of black fungus.
What are some symptoms to look out for before receiving black fungus treatment?
Below we have mentioned some of the many symptoms to look out for before you receive treatment for black fungus:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing, headache, and fever
- Redness around eyes and nose
- Blurred vision or double vision with pain
- Numbness, swelling, and facial pain on one side
- Blackish discolouration over the bridge of the nose
While the above-mentioned black fungus infection symptoms must be taken into account, there are a few other signs of disease that should be examined before receiving black fungus infection treatment. Many other symptoms of black fungus include:
- Sinusitis causes nasal or sinus congestion, which can lead to bloody or black nasal discharge. The black mucus could indicate that the patient has inhaled fungal spores that can develop mucormycosis. This is a clear sign that you need black fungus treatment.
- Pain on one side of the face, usually centred on or around the cheekbone. Swelling or numbness are two more mucormycosis fungal infection symptoms that can affect the face.
- Blackish darkening or lesions on the nasal palate or the inside of the mouth.
What is the link between black fungus and Covid-19?
The Black Fungus infection spreads in people with weak immune systems, compromising their ability unable to fight off the infection. Immunosuppressants and medications like steroids and antibiotics that are given to COVID-19. As a result, they are more vulnerable to the virus.
This is the reason why the number of black fungus cases among COVID-19 patients is increasing. It is imperative to keep in mind that the illness is also spread by the overuse of steroids and other immunosuppressants, as well as a lack of sanitation.
How does black fungus enter the body and infect an individual?
Mucormycosis is a fungus illness spread by the wind that can be found in the water, air, and even food. It can enter the body through airborne fungus spores or, in some cases, through open wounds and cuts. When breathed, it infects the sinuses, causing severe swelling, displacement, and even vision loss.
The fungus can also infect the lungs, causing bloody coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulty. Since black fungus spreads rapidly, it attacks the lungs quickly too. On the other hand, if the fungus enters the body through exposed wounds, it can quickly spread across the surface, causing inflammations of underlying tissues and the skin.
Ulcers on the body can sometimes turn into blisters, resulting in tissue loss. The fungus can infect the kidneys, intestines, and heart chambers rare scenarios. However, the severity of the infection is mostly determined by the diseased organ.
Who is at high risk of getting infected by black fungus?
- People with uncontrolled diabetes.
- Patients using tocilizumab or high doses of steroids or over an extended period of time.
- Patients receiving oxygen through mask, nasal prongs or ventilators.
- Patients on Intensive care unit (ICU) for an extended period of time.
- Co-morbidities, organ transplantation, and cancer
- Voriconazole treatment (used to treat serious fungal infections)
According to medical experts and professionals, there is a strong link between diabetes and infection. Furthermore, Covid-19 can worsen diabetes and even precipitating diabetes in previously healthy people. In such cases, patients’ relatives or caregivers are encouraged to assist the patient in conducting conscious self-examinations on a regular basis to receive black fungus treatment at the right time.
What are some dos and don’ts when it comes to black fungus cure?
- Ensure you do not dismiss symptoms and warning signs.
- Do not assume that all occurrences of blocked nose are due to bacterial sinusitis, especially in the case of immunosuppression or in COVID-19 patients who are on immune-suppressing drugs.
- Do not waste time in starting black fungus treatment.
Do’s
- Keep hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) under control.
- Monitor blood glucose levels after Covid-19 discharge, especially in people with diabetes.
- Ensure you use steroids in moderation meaning proper dose, timing, and duration.
- When using humidifiers during oxygen therapy, use sterile, clean water.
- Make judicious use of antibiotics and antifungals.
Is black fungus home treatment possible?
Even though it is best to consult a doctor for black fungus cure, there are some ingredients that can help treat black fungus at home, like yoghurt, probiotics, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and garlic.
