Importance of Nutrition

  • Author :
  • TATA AIG Team
  • Last Updated On :
  • 31/08/2023

In the middle of the dread of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new sickness has developed as an epidemic in areas of India. The Black Fungus, also known as Mucormycosis, is a severe, aggressive, and uncommon fungal illness affecting many COVID-19 patients. Most infections have occurred in individuals who are recuperating or have recovered from COVID-19. It has added to the number of pressures the country faces at a time when we have only just begun to comprehend how to deal with the current epidemic.

Although the number of mucormycosis cases continues to rise, it isn't considered an outbreak yet. It's one of the most uncommon kinds of fungal infection, affecting one in every thousand individuals and resulting in a 50% fatality rate. Antifungal medicines, which are essential to treat the Black Fungus infection, are expensive and are now in limited supply in the nation. There's currently a demand for interdisciplinary experts to reduce the financial burden on people, particularly those who are protected under a health insurance policy. Following the conclusion of the 30-day waiting period, your existing health insurance plan will cover the costs of Mucormycosis therapy.

Critical illness insurance can help you obtain the best treatment available. And make sure you choose a plan with a greater amount insured because the cost of treating these illnesses in private hospitals is similarly expensive, making it unaffordable for many individuals, so having high coverage would be advantageous. This form of coverage provides financial security, allowing you to rest easy knowing that your savings will not be exhausted in an emergency.

So, if you're not covered by a medical insurance policy, it's high time you invest in a good health insurance plan. Tata AIG provides a selection of health insurance products at reasonable rates. You can contact us at any time of the day to learn more about our various health plans. We will gladly assist you!

Anyway, read along to know about the symptoms, reasons, and causes of mucormycosis in detail and depth.

Mucormycosis: What Exactly Is It?

Mucormycosis, often known as the Black Fungus, is an uncommon fungal illness caused by a mould that develops on decaying and decomposing organic materials. Mucormycetes is the fungus mould that causes the illness, and it affects the sinuses and the eye region when a person is exposed to it. The virus primarily affects those whose immune systems are already compromised or who are taking medication. When the body is unable to battle the sickness on its own, the infection spreads.

What Causes Black Fungus?

If you are wondering — what causes black fungus? — Let us tell you that it is caused by mucormycetes mould exposure. These organisms can be found in:

  • Rotting wood

  • Piles of compost

  • Leaves

  • Soil

  • Animal Manure

  • Decayed vegetables and fruits

Mucormycosis can be contracted by inhaling mould spores in the air. This is known as sinus (pulmonary) exposure. As a result, the black fungus causes infection in your:

  • Sinuses

  • Lungs

  • Face

  • Eyes

  • Central Nervous System (rare cases)

Also, the fungus can enter your skin through a burn or a cut (cutaneous exposure). In such circumstances, the burn or wound becomes the site of infection. While many moulds may occur naturally in the environment, not everyone who is exposed will get a fungal infection. If you have a weaker immune system, you are more likely to get this form of illness. The following conditions may increase your risk:

  • Surgery

  • Diabetes (particularly if it is not being treated in the right way)

  • AIDS or HIV

  • Recent Organ Transplant

  • Cancer

  • Scrapes and Cuts

  • Burns

So, these were some of the reasons for black fungus to occur in the human body. Continue reading to learn about the Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) symptoms in the next section of the blog.

Symptoms of Black Fungal Infection

Mucormycosis can manifest as a respiratory or skin illness. Respiratory or sinus black fungal symptoms may include:

  • Sinus pain

  • Nasal congestion

  • Headache

  • Fever

  • Cough

Mucormycosis may develop in any human body region due to a skin infection. It might begin at the area of skin trauma, but it may swiftly migrate to another location. Keep an eye on these early symptoms of black fungus infection:

  • Chronic Ulcers

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

  • Swelling on the part of the face area

  • Black lesions on the inside of the mouth and nose bridge

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Blood in Stool

  • High fever

  • Blisters, rashes, and swells on the skin

  • Blackened Skin Tissue

So, if you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms of black fungus infection, consult a healthcare expert at the earliest opportunity.

Mucormycosis: Is It Contagious?

Mucormycosis is not infectious. Thus, you cannot catch it from someone infected. Self-care is the most effective strategy to avoid this form of illness. It is critical to keep oneself safe outside if you have a weaker immune system. Wearing a mask when working in the yard and bandaging every wound till it heals will assist in avoiding fungal infections.

You should also take extra measures during the summer and fall when the fungus is more prevalent in the environment.

Mucormycosis: How Is It Treated?

Receiving intravenous (IV) antifungal medicines and surgical debridement are the first measures in treating mucormycosis. Surgical debridement entails removing all contaminated tissue. It has been demonstrated that removing diseased tissue prevents the illness from spreading further.

Also, if you respond quite well to tissue removal and IV therapy, your healthcare provider will likely withdraw your IV treatment and replace it with oral medicines.

Your healthcare provider can prescribe the following antifungal drugs to treat mucormycosis:

  • Posaconazole

  • Amphotericin

  • Isavuconazole

Mucormycosis: Outlook

Early diagnosis and therapy are critical for mucormycosis recovery. The infection has the potential to spread to other parts of the body. With this form of severe infection, death is a possibility.

Mucormycosis, on the other hand, is uncommon. To be cautious, always have your doctor analyse any suspected kind of infection to rule out such significant underlying causes.

Mucormycosis: How Is It Diagnosed?

People with mucormycosis are frequently unaware of their condition. You might be diagnosed with the illness when you visit a healthcare professional for a skin, sinus, or lung infection. If you suspect an infection, you must consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Mucormycosis is diagnosed in the lab by examining a tissue sample. If you have a sinus infection, your doctor may take a sample of your phlegm or nasal discharge. In the case of a skin infection, your doctor may additionally clean the affected region.

The Bottom Line

Mucormycosis is an uncommon but extremely serious infection that requires quick treatment if it strikes you. Although this infection cannot be completely avoided, increasing your immunity lessens your chances of contracting Mucormycosis.

This is easily treatable, thanks to modern breakthroughs. However, if you acquire any of its symptoms, it is critical that you approach your doctor as soon as possible. Also, do not forget to purchase a Tata AIG critical illness insurance plan since it'll cover you and help you avail of the greatest healthcare services in India's top hospitals without making you think about the treatment expenses. So, what are you holding for? Get yourself covered with critical illness insurance right now with Tata AIG!

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