New Delhi: Now that we are trying our best to protect ourselves from Covid-19, another threat has arisen from the fungus that we should know about and take action on. Mucormicosis, a fungal infection that is found in some Covid-19 patients during or after recovery from the disease.
According to a statement given by the Health Minister of Maharashtra two days ago, more than 2000 people have already been affected by this fungal infection in the state; 10 people succumbed to it and also succumbed to it. Some patients also lost their eyesight.
How does mucormycosis occur?
Mucormicosis or black fungus is a complication arising from fungal infections. People are exposed to mucormycosis due to exposure to fungal spores present in the environment. Through any injury, burns, cuts etc. on the body, it enters the skin and can develop in the skin.
This disease is being detected in patients who have recovered or are recovering from Covid-19. Also, anyone who has diabetes and whose immune system is not working properly, needs to be careful about it.
According to a consultation issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the following conditions increase the risk of mucormycosis infection in Covid-19 patients:
Uncontrolled diabetes
Weakness of the immune system due to the use of steroids
Prolonged ICU / Hospital stay
Co-morbidity / after organ transplantation / cancer
Voriconazole therapy (used to treat severe fungal infections)
How is it related to Covid-19?
The disease is caused by a group of micro-organisms called mucormisates, which are naturally present in the environment, and are mostly found in soil and in the decay of organic matter such as leaves, manures and piles.
In general, our body’s immune system successfully fights such fungal infections but we know that Covid-19 affects our immune system. In addition, the treatment of covid-19 patients involves the intake of drugs such as dexamethasone, which affects the response of our immune system. Due to these factors Covid-19 patients face a new risk of failing in the fight against the attack of microbes such as mucormycetes.
In addition, Humidifiers are used in ICUs, where Covid patients taking oxygen therapy are at risk of fungal infection due to exposure to moisture.
But this does not mean that every covid patient will be infected with mucormycosis. Patients who do not have diabetes, it is uncommon to have this disease but it can be fatal if not treated immediately. The likelihood of recovery depends on early detection and treatment of the disease.
What are the common symptoms?
Mucormicosis begins as an infection of the skin in the air pocket located behind our forehead, nose, cheek bones and between the eyes and teeth. It then spreads to the eyes, lungs and can also spread to the brain. This causes blackness or color discoloration on the nose, blurred or double vision, chest pain, difficulty in breathing and coughing up blood.
The ICMR recommends that not all cases of closed nose should be seen as cases of bacterial sinusitis, especially during or after treatment with Covid-19 patients. Medical help should be sought to detect fungal infections.
How is it treated?
Where the infection can begin with just one skin infection, it can spread to other parts of the body. Treatment involves surgery to remove all dead and infected tissue. In some patients, it may also cause loss of the upper jaw or sometimes the eye. Treatment may also include a four to six week course of intravenous anti-fungal therapy. Since it affects different parts of the body, a team of microbiologists, internal medicine specialists, neurologists, ENT specialists, ophthalmologists, dentists, surgeons, and others is needed to perform the treatment.
How to prevent mucormycosis?
Controlling diabetes is one of the most important methods suggested by the ICMR. Therefore, Covid-19 patients suffering from diabetes need to use extreme caution.
Taking medication on its own and taking an overdose of steroids can be fatal and therefore doctor’s advice should be strictly followed. Dr. VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, said about the adverse effects of improper use of steroids: “Steroids should never be given in the early stages of Covid-19. It should be consumed only after the sixth day of infection. Patients should stick to the proper dose of medicines and the medicine should be taken for a fixed time as advised by the doctors. Prudent use of drugs should be ensured to avoid adverse side effects of the drug. ”
How was Santharkormik appointed?
Controlling diabetes is one of the most important methods suggested by the ICMR. Because of this, the immunity to -19 is at its peak.
Taking medication on its own and taking an overdose of steroids can be fatal and therefore doctor’s advice should be strictly followed. NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr. The danger of spoilage was also said: “It was spoiled even when it was over. Even after the case of infection. Proper! For classification as Dr.
“Insect-19s such as Statermo’s aline, tontijub, etolizumab also apply to the system. These
Observers have modified the intake I covid-19 function in such a way as to alter the dose of tocilizumab to prevent any adverse effects. Proper hygiene is also helping to address the relationship.
For patients taking oxygen therapy, it should be ensured that the humidifier has clean water and is regularly re-injected. Water can be maintained (suitable for environment from geely climate) It is safe to manage. Keep clean to keep with you too.
Take care even after disaster prevention
After recovering from Kovid-19, people should closely monitor and remember any of the warning signs and symptoms mentioned above, as fungal infections can emerge several weeks or even months after recovering from Kovid-19. Risk of infection is necessary. Steroid disease can be quickly improved in the treatment of infection.