As the world battles with Covid 19, a yet another infection is rampaging the hospitals. It is wrecking a havoc on the already overburdened healthcare system of the country. Post-covid mucormycosis has emerged massively in the second wave in India and we are getting sizable number of cases daily.
Mucormycosis or black fungus is triggered by Covid 19. It is seen in covid patients treated with corticosteroids, immunomodulators, long standing oxygen therapy, those who were treated with mechanical ventilation in the ICUs.
Several cases were also reported among people suffering from diabetes mellitus, conditions like cancer, organ transplant, immunosuppressed patients.
Mucormycosis can manifest in the lungs, but the nose and sinuses are the most common site of mucormycosis infection. From there it can spread to the eyes, potentially causing blindness, or the brain, causing headache or seizures.
Patients complaints of a wide range of symptoms, and high clinical suspicion is required here to make an early diagnosis. These symptoms may include sinus headache, stuffy nose, brownish to black discharge from the nose, blurred or double vision, dental pain, tooth mobilty.
Red flags in mucormycosis: Facial swelling and skin discoloration, Ptosis and proptosis, restricted eye movements, palatal discoloration and swelling.
Treatment includes strict glycemic control, judicious use of steroids and immunomodulators, antifungal drug therapy like injectable liposomal Amphotericin B, Isavuconazole and posconazole.
Advanced involvement may requires surgical interventions and rehabilitation. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention is of paramount importance to reduce the mortality, minimize the morbidity and disability associated with the disease.
Do not loose crucial time to begin the treatment for mucormycosis in consultation with your physician !!
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