Have you ever heard of black fungus? This hidden disease is a growing concern, especially for people recovering from Covid-19. This disease is known as mucormycosis, and it is a rare serious fungal infection, but it has spread widely in recent times.
These mucous fungi mainly affect people with weak immune systems, and most often infect the sinuses and lungs. So if you would like to know more information about black fungus disease, what its symptoms are and how to treat it, follow this article with me.
What is black fungus disease?
Black fungus disease, known as zygomycosis, is a rare and serious fungal infection caused by a group of fungi, which are known as mucormycetes.
These fungi are usually found in the environment surrounding us, especially the following places: –
- Leaves.
- Organic fertilizer.
- Soil.
- Animal dung.
- Decomposed organic matter.
Infection occurs when these fungi enter the body through open wounds in the skin, or inhalation.
- Skin.
- Sinuses.
- Lungs.
- Stomach.
- Intestines.
- Brain.
People with diabetes, various types of cancer, or other medical conditions that weaken their immune system are more susceptible to black fungus disease.
It must be noted that this infection may be fatal if left untreated.
Causes of black fungus disease
Black fungus disease may result from inhaling fungus spores from the air, which leads to infections in the lungs, brain, or Sinuses.
The fungus can also enter the body through damaged skin as a result of the following: –
- Injuries.
- Surgical operations.
- Burns.
- Skin trauma.
Although these fungi are found naturally in the environment, not everyone who is exposed to them will develop this fungal infection.
You may be more susceptible to this infection if you have a weak immune system, due to taking certain medications, or suffer from any of the following health conditions: –
- Diabetes, especially if it is irregular.
- Cancer.
- Organ transplantation.
- Stem cell transplantation.
- HIV.
- High level of iron in the body.
- Low white blood cell count.
- Metabolic acidosis.
- malnutrition.
- Premature birth.
- Long-term use of steroids.
- Covid 19.
It must be noted that this infection cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
You can read The role of the rhinologist and when to visit him
Symptoms of black fungus disease
Symptoms of mucormycosis depend on the location of the infection in the body, as symptoms may appear as follows: –
- Nose.
- Digestive system.
- Lung.
- Skin.
- Around the eyes.
-
Pulmonary mycosis
It is the second most common type, and it is a fungal infection that affects the lungs, and it occurs in people who suffer from the following: –
- Leukemia.
- Stem cell transplantation.
- Low white blood cell count.
Pulmonary mycosis includes the following symptoms: –
- difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain.
- High fever.
- Persistent cough.
- Cough accompanied by blood.
- Swelling of one side of the face.
-
Black fungus disease of the brain in the nose and brain
Nasal and brain fungi are more common in people with poorly managed diabetes, and their symptoms include: –
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Nasal congestion.
- Swelling of one side of the body.
- Ulcers on the roof of the mouth.
- Sinus pain.
- Swelling around the eyes.
- Double vision.
- Bulging eyes.
- Vision loss.
- Confusion, or psychological changes.
- The appearance of black spots in the mouth or nose.
-
Intestinal mucormycosis
Intestinal mucormycosis is most common in premature infants, but recently it has increased in adults with low white blood cell counts or who use steroids for long periods.
Symptoms of this infection appear as follows: –
- Abdominal or stomach pain.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
-
Black fungus disease of the skin
A person becomes infected with black fungus of the skin by entering the fungus through wounds, and it is the most common type in people with healthy immunity.
The following symptoms occur: –
- Small, fluid-filled, painful blisters appear on the skin.
- Pain in the affected area.
- Skin ulcers or infections.
- Skin redness or change in color.
- Swelling around the site of infection.
- The color changes over time to black.
- The infection spreads to deeper areas, such as muscles and bones.
-
Disseminated mucormycosis
It is one of the most dangerous types of mucormycosis, and may be fatal, and occurs as a result of the infection spreading through the blood to different parts of the body.
It may affect the following: –
- Brain.
- Central nervous system.
- the heart.
- Spleen.
This leads to coma, mental changes and symptoms similar to those of other types.
- Leukemia
- He underwent a stem cell transplant.
If you develop symptoms Book your consultation now at Department of Ear, Nose and Throat At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
Treatment of black fungus disease
Black fungus disease is treated by receiving prescription antifungal medications to stop the growth of the fungus, destroy it and control the infection.
These medications may be given intravenously in high doses, unless the infection is controlled, then you will move to taking tablets, and they include the following medications: –
- Amphotericin B.
- Isavuconazole.
- Posaconazole.
But in some severe cases, it may be necessary to undergo surgery to remove infected or dead tissue.
Methods of detecting black fungus
Black fungus disease may be diagnosed through a physical examination, and by undergoing the following tests: –
- Taking a sample of sputum or nasal mucus if you have a sinus infection.
- Tissue biopsy, by taking a small piece of affected tissue;
- Chest X-ray.
- Computed tomography.
- MRI;
- Bronchoscopy, using ultrasound waves attached to a thin, lighted tube;
Frequently asked questions about black fungus disease
If you suffer from black fungus, many questions may be on your mind, including the following: –
Can black fungus be cured?
Yes, black fungus disease can be cured with early treatment, and delaying treatment, even for a few days, may significantly reduce the survival rate.
Who are the groups most susceptible to black fungus?
Anyone may become infected with mucormycosis at any age, but you may be more susceptible to this infection if you have a weakened immune system due to taking certain medications, or suffer from any of the following health conditions: –
- Diabetes, especially if it is uncontrolled.
- Cancer.
- HIV.
- Low white blood cell count.
- Organ transplantation.
- High iron levels in the body.
- malnutrition.
- Metabolic acidosis.
- Use of steroids for long periods.
- Premature birth.
- Stem cell transplantation.
How is black fungus transmitted to humans?
Black fungus infection is transmitted to humans by inhaling fungus spores in the air, or through contact with your skin that contains wounds or scratches with certain objects, such as soil, moldy products, or bread.
Why does black fungus infect some people and not others?
All people can develop mucormycosis at any age, but those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to this infection.
How long does the treatment for black fungus take?
Treatment for mucormycosis may take three to six weeks, or several months, depending on the severity of the infection.
In conclusion, I now realize, dear reader, what black fungus disease is?
I also learned about ways to diagnose this infection, and what are the ways to treat it.
Therefore, if you suffer from this infection, you must go to Al Mousa Specialist Hospital immediately, so that the best doctors can help you diagnose and treat this infection.
Sources and references:
Mucormycosis: What to Know – webmd
Mucormycosis – health line
