Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, black and white fungus have now created panic amongst the people. This disease has made common people anxious and tense. According to the doctors, the black fungus causes major damage to the heart, nose, and eyes.
It affected the lungs as well. While white fungus on the other hand does more damage to the lungs as compared to the former. Experts, however, believe that the treatment of black and white fungus is available. One just needs to be vigilant in this case.
The case of white fungus is raising concerns in people in the Mau district in Purvanchal. Everywhere, the health department has been alerted. It is said to be a disease with symptoms similar to corona. The white fungus infects the lungs and damages them, and due to the signs of breathlessness, a patient continues to get examined for COVID-19. This disease can be indicated through HRCT of the chest and mucus culture.
Dr. Jyoti Bajpai, Assistant Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, KGMU, said, “Fungus is just fungus. It is neither white nor black. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection. Since it looks black, it has been named black fungus. Due to the black rashes it forms, it is named black fungus. There is nothing like white of black fungus in the medical literature. It is a different class. The names black and white fungus has been given for people to understand. White fungus or Candidiasis (Candida) affected the eyes, nose and throat less. It directly affects the lungs.”
HRCT of the chest and mucus culture can help in indicating this disease. Spots in the lungs, just like in corona, can be seen. These two were not so prominent in the first wave. But in the second wave, the variant of the virus has changed. In the current wave, more young people have been the victims. It grows rapidly in a short span. This is the reason why people have to stay hospitalized for a longer time. Apart from this, steroids have been used extensively. Diabetic patients have also been more vulnerable to it.
Also Read: Rising Cases Of The Black Fungal Infection In India!
She said, “Oxygen pipelines and humidifiers should be clean. Keep sugar levels in control. The oxygen reaching the lungs should be pure and free of fungus. Be vigilant about it but do not panic. People who are infected with black fungus either have low immunity, are already suffering from a serious illness like diabetes, or have been treated with steroids. People who require high oxygen support are also at a higher risk of this disease. A rather healthier person does not suffer from black fungus.
If the steroids are given in the right amount and at the right time, there is no risk of black fungus. The chances of mortality with black fungus are 50-80 percent. No mortalities due to white fungus have been recorded yet. The black fungus spreads quickly in case of weakened immunity. Black fungus is not a new disease. Its treatment is available. Antifungal medicines are being used in this. Its treatment is possible through both medical and surgical therapies.”
IANS
