- Nyumbani
- Magonjwa
- Mucormycosis (Kuvu Nyeusi)
- Black Fungus Symptoms & Causes
Mucormycosis is caused by exposure to mucor mold which is commonly found in soil, plants, manure, and decaying fruits and vegetables. These infections are usually acquired when spores from the molds are inhaled. The infection can enter the body through a cut in the skin in some cases.
Mucormycosis infection can happen to anyone of any age. While most people may come into contact with mucor spores at some point in their lives, it is often the immunocompromised individuals that are severely affected by this fungal infection. Some of the conditions that may lead to compromised immunity are uncontrolled diabetes, neutropenia, organ transplant, kidney insufficiency and HIV/AIDS. Some medications can also lower immunity leaving patients susceptible to the infection. Black fungus has been reported among COVID-19 patients due to widespread use of steroids in COVID treatment which leaves patients immunocompromised.
Doctor Speaks: Decoding black fungus
Dr. Jay Perumal
An Insight into Black Fungus Symptoms
Symptoms of black fungus depend on the part of the body infected with the fungus. Some patients have more than one area infected. The most common early symptoms of mucormycosis are sinus infection, nasal congestion, nasal discharge and nasal pain. A fever and headache can also occur.
Mucromycosis symptoms may affect:2
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Nose, sinuses, eyes and brain ( Rhinocerebral mucormycosis)
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Skin ( Cutaneous mucormycosis)
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Lungs (Pulmonary mucormycosis)
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Kidneys (Renal mucormycosis)
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Abdomen ( GI mucormycosis).
Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is increasingly seen among immunocompromised individuals and individuals with poorly controlled diabetes. Some of the symptoms of Rhinocerebral mucormycosis based on the area of infection are as follows.
Mucormycosis symptoms/ mucormycosis fungal infection symptoms in the nose:
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Blocked nose
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Stuffiness in the nose
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Nasal discharge
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In rare cases – blood or black fluid discharge from the nostrils.
As the sinuses get involved , there could be the following black fungus symptoms:
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Pain over the cheek
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Loss of sensation in areas of the face
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Tingling sensation
With eye-involvement , we observe the following black fungus symptoms:
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Droopiness of the eyelid
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Double vision
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Inability of open or move the eye
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Loss of vision
While these can be categorized as black fungal infection symptoms , they are not definitive. These symptoms may not all develop suddenly as well. Several of the black fungal disease symptoms may also occur due to bacterial infections.
It is advised that any patients with black fungus symptoms who fall in the high-risk category must seek aggressive investigations to detect fungal infection. In case of Mucormycosis, early detection and treatment is extremely critical for good prognosis.
Causes of Black Fungal infection
Mucormycosis is caused by exposure to mucor mold which is commonly found in soil, plants, manure, and decaying fruits and vegetables.These infections are usually acquired when spores from the molds are inhaled. The infection can enter the body through a cut in the skin in some cases.
Mucormycosis infection can happen to anyone of any age. While most people may come into contact with mucor spores at some point in their lives , it is often the immunocompromised individuals that are severely affected by this fungal infection. Some of the conditions that may lead to compromised immunity are uncontrolled diabetes, neutropenia, organ transplant, kidney insufficiency and HIV/AIDS. Some medications can also lower immunity leaving patients susceptible to the infection. Black fungus has been reported among COVID-19 patients due to widespread use of steroids in COVID treatment which leaves patients immunocompromised.
This infection is not contagious, but can be aggressive and life-threatening. Prompt diagnosis at the first appearance of black fungus symptoms and early treatment are very critical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Fungus Symptoms & Causes
What is black fungus?
Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a fungal infection. It is a serious condition that manifests as an invasive disease that affects the lungs, eyes, nose, sinuses, and brain. Without proper treatment, it may lead to loss of the upper jaw or even the eye. The mortality rate for black fungus disease ranges from 40% to 80%.
What are the mucormycosis causes?
The reason for black fungus contraction may include getting exposed to a specific group of molds called mucormycetes. These molds exist in the environment but are most commonly found in soil and decaying matter like manure, moss, rotten leaves, fruits, and vegetables. Some of the major ways to black fungus contraction involve inhaling the air contaminated with fungal spores, etc.
What are the black fungus symptoms?
The most warned mucormycosis symptoms include: –
- Redness and pain around the eyes or nose.
- Headache
- Cough
- Fever
- Altered mental health.
- Vomits with Blood.
What is the black fungus in mouth symptoms?
The black fungus disease can affect the eyes, lungs, nose, sinuses, mouth and brain. Here are some of the black fungus symptoms in mouth: –
- Pain in jawbones.
- Loose teeth.
- Gum Abscess occurs when the infection happens between gums and teeth.
- Discolouration of oral tissues.
- Numb mouth.
Why are COVID-19 patients prone to mucormycosis infection?
According to medical experts, a mix of factors makes COVID-19 victims prone to black fungus infection, long stays in ICU,lowered immunity,co-morbidities,steroids and voriconazole therapy are some of the triggering factors of black fungus infection in COVID patients.
How is mucormycosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of back fungus includes collecting fluid samples from the respiratory system of the patient. These samples are then tested in the lab for proof of fungus. The diagnosis procedure can also involve a CT scan of the lungs and sinuses or a biopsy of the infected tissues.
How can black fungus be treated?
Black fungus causes a lot more than its treatment. Still, some of the treatments advised by the medical experts include: –
- Insertion of the central catheter
- Maintaining sufficient systematic hydration
- Antifungal therapy for 4 to 6 weeks
- Infusion of normal saline IV before infusing Amphotericin B.
What kind of surgery is done if a patient shows signs of mucormycosis?
The surgery that is performed to cure mucormycosis is quite aggressive with the removal of infected tissues. It can include the removal of the eyeball, eye socket, oral cavity, or bones of the nasal cavity.
How does the black fungus infection spread?
Black fungus, if not diagnosed, can be very aggressive. It blocks the blood vessels, cutting off the blood supply to the tissues. In many cases, mucormycosis has been found in the upper jaw or maxilla and sometimes causes the entire jaw to detach. This happens because the blood supply to the upper jaw bone is cut off due to the fungal infection. This causes the dead bone to detach.
The infection is so aggressive that it spreads even faster than cancer. In about 15 days, it is capable of spreading from your mouth to your eyes and to your brain within a month. However, one important thing to note is that this infection is not contagious, meaning it does spread with contact.
What is the cost of treatment for black fungus infection?
Today, although the cost of surgical treatment for mucormycosis is standardized, some patients may require multiple surgeries to totally cure this infection. Treatment with an antifungal agent like Liposomal Amphotericin B can cost you 15 to 20 thousand rupees per day. This treatment can range from 10 to 30 days. Some patients may need other medications (antidiabetic treatment or oral antifungal medication) for a long time to control the black fungus infection.
What are the mucormycosis symptoms in the eye?
Black fungal infection causes in the eye may include untreated eye injury, hypertension, or over usage of some medications. The symptoms could be: –
- Eye redness
- Pain in the eye
- Blur in vision
- Double vision
- Eye grittiness
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