Nagpur, May 4
People are already dealing with Corona, which is life threatening. Now one more disease ‘Mucormycosis’, which grows in the bone cavity around the face, can lead to permanent blindness if the eye or brain is affected, it can be fatal. The number of such patients in hospitals are increasing. Therefore, experts have expressed the view that the diagnosis of Mucormycosis should be made in time. Earlier just one to two patients were diagnosed with the disease, but now 20 patients are being found in 1,000 corona patients.
Mucormycosis affects patients with chronic and uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, low immunity and HIV. Indispensable steroids are given to save the lives of patients with severe symptoms of corona. These drugs cause the fungus to grow. The fungus mucormycosis also grows in the sinuses, the bone cavity around the nose. Over time, the fungus spreads to the teeth, gums, eyes, and brain.
Symptoms of the disease
In patients with corona, persistent headaches, toothache and movement, pain in the gums, blackness and pain on the scalp, facial pain, black discharge from the nose, eye pain, swelling around the eyes, spontaneous drooping of the eyelids, pain around the eyes may be the pre-symptoms of Mucormycosis.
Do not ignore the symptoms
The use of steroids during corona treatment for those with high blood sugar levels, if using immunoc suppressants, such patients should keep a close watch on changes in their own body. Symptoms of mucormycosis are usually normal. However, if it is found, an ear-nose-throat specialist should be consulted immediately.
Major (Retd) Dr Vaibhav Chandankhede
ENT specialist, Mayo
‘Disease fatal if it reaches brain’
If the fungus reaches the brain, it can be life threatening. Where there is fungus, that part of the brain needs to be removed. It is difficult to save in life in case of fungal meningitis. However, timely treatment can save the life of the patient by avoiding effects on the brain, but it requires early diagnosis.
Dr Ninad Shrikhande
Neurosurgeon