The Indian government has issued an advisory & informed doctor to look out for signs of “Black Fungus’ (Mucormycosis) in Covid-19 patients. Several states have reported cases of ‘Black Fungus’ which is rare but potentially fatal infection.
The patients are presented with complaint of blackening or discolouration over the nose, blurred or double vision, chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing blood, is strongly linked to diabetes.
Warning signs:
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said Covid-19 patients with diabetes and those with poor immunity should watch for early symptoms including sinus pain or nasal blockage on one side of the face, one-sided headache, swelling or numbness, toothache and loosening of teeth.
Those who have recovered from Covid-19 should be alert as post-Covid Mucormycosis has become a cause of concern in the second wave. Judicious use of steroids in treatment of Covid-19 and strict control over blood glucose levels can bring down the risk of Mucormycosis.”
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis with MRI &CT scan of nose, sinuses, jaw bones, orbit and brain will formulate treatment protocol.
Treatment
This will include early administration of antifungal drugs, tight control of blood sugar level, plus timely intervention by endoscopic radical debridement surgery to reduce fungal load from sinuses.
