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What is Black Fungus?

Mucormycosis, additionally referred to as black fungus, is an unprecedented however risky infection. It is resulting from a collection of moulds referred to as mucormycetes and usually impacts the sinuses, lungs, skin, and brain.
You can inhale the mould spores or come into touch with them in such things as soil, rotting produce or bread, or compost piles.

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About the disorder:

  • It is a unprecedented however critical fungal infection.
  • It is also known as mucormycosis.
  • The disorder regularly manifests withinside the pores and skin and additionally impacts the lungs and the brain.
  • Caused through a set of moulds called mucormycetes present naturally withinside the environment.

Symptoms of Black Fungus

The symptoms of black fungus will depend on where in your body the fungus is growing. They may include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Chest Pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling on one side of your face
  • Headache
  • Sinus congestion
  • Black lesions on the bridge of your nose or the inside of your mouth
  • Belly pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Blood in your stool
  • Diarrhea

If your pores and skin is infected, the region of the infection can appear blistered, red, or swollen. It would possibly turn black or feel warm or painful. The contamination also can unfold to different elements of your body through your blood. This is referred to as disseminated mucormycosis. When this happens, the fungus can have an effect on organs like your spleen and heart. In extreme cases, you could have adjustments to your mental state or go right into a coma and it could potentially be extremely be deadly.

Complications related to black fungus

Complications of mucormycosis include:

  • Blindness
  • Blood clots or blocked vessels
  • Nerve damage

Mucormycosis can be deadly without treatment. Because the infection is so rare, the exact mortality rate isn't clear. But researchers estimate that overall, 54% of people with mucormycosis die.
The likelihood of death depends on which part of the body is affected. The outlook is better for people who have sinus infections than it is for lung or brain infections.

Prevention

There's no way to avoid breathing in spores. But you can do a few things to lower your chances of mucormycosis. It's especially important if you have a health condition that raises your risk.
Stay away from areas with a lot of dust or soil, like construction or excavation sites. If you have to be in these areas, wear a face mask like an N95.
Avoid infected water. This can include floodwater or water-damaged buildings, especially after natural disasters like hurricanes or floods.
If you have a weakened immune system, avoid activities that involve dust and soil, like gardening or yard work. If you can't, protect your skin with shoes, gloves, long pants, and long sleeves. Wash cuts or scrapes with soap and water as soon as you can.
If you get mucormycosis, be sure to take your medications as directed. If side effects cause problems or the infection doesn't get better, let your doctor know right away.

Complications related to black fungus

  • Treated with antifungals.
  • It may eventually require surgery.
  • It is of utmost importance to control diabetes, reduce steroid use, and discontinue immunomodulating drugs.

How you can help?

With the number of black fungus cases in India rising rapidly, you can help people in need, who are suffering from black fungus by donating to Raahat’s fundraiser, where all the donations will go towards families in trouble during this pandemic.