Amid the second wave of Covid-19, healthcare personnel in India have been trying to do their best under trying circumstances. As the second wave of corona in the country recedes, the threat of black fungus has increased. But now the black fungus (mucormycosis) has raised concerns of the health system. Black fungus patients have been found in many states of the country. These patients have some similar threads.
Therefore, information has come to light about the risk of black fungus. A study conducted on 210 patients who used antibiotics has revealed important information. People who used antibiotics became infected with black fungus.
Apart from this, those who use steroids are also at risk of black fungus, said Dr. VP Pandey of Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital in Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Pandey had collected data concerning 210 patients on black fungus.
According to the report, 14 per cent of patients infected with black fungus had been treated with steroids. The Ministry of Health has also said that steroids are mainly responsible for the spread of black fungus. Also most of them had been treated with steroids, and all had underlying conditions, mainly diabetes.
In addition to antibiotics and steroids, black fungus is caused by another common cause of infection. Those who take high amounts of hot steam are at higher risk of black fungus. Steam inhalation can contribute in creating a warm and damp environment for the fungus but that alone is unlikely to cause the disease. It is likely to occur only in circumstances like high sugar levels or with usage of steroids, antibiotics and patients in immunocompromised states.Dr Rajiv Jayawardene, former head of IMA's Kochi chapter, warned of the danger. There is a layer on our body. This layer protects the body from microorganisms. Over-steaming damages this layer and increases the risk of black fungus, said Jayawardene.