Black fungus, which is among the very rare infections, is also known by its scientific name “mucormycosis”. This disease, which is not transmitted from person to person or animal, is mostly found in soil, plants, fertilizers and rotting fruits and vegetables. When mucormycosis occurs, it usually affects critical areas such as the brain, sinuses and lungs and can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment quickly when the symptoms of the disease are detected.
What is black fungus disease?
Black fungus (Mucormycosis) is an extremely rare infection and is usually caused by exposure to mucor mold found in soil, plants, fertilizers, and rotting fruits and vegetables.
How to cure black fungus disease?
This mold fungus can also be found in the noses of healthy individuals, but black fungus is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. Fungal spores can travel through the air or the environment, causing the infection to spread. Also known as zygomycosis in the literature, this disease usually targets critical areas such as the brain, sinuses, and lungs. Bacteria and fungi normally found in the body are kept under control by the immune system; however, when the immune system is weakened, these pathogens can get out of control.
What are the symptoms of black fungus disease?
Symptoms of black fungus disease are as follows:
- High fever
- Persistent cough
- Pain in the chest area
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling and edema in some parts of the face
- Severe headache
- Feeling of fullness and pressure in the sinuses
- Black lesions on the bridge of the nose or in the mouth
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Nausea and vomiting
- Signs of bleeding in the digestive tract
- Seeing blood in stool
- Severe diarrhea
How to treat black fungus disease?
At the heart of the treatment process for black fungus are antifungal drugs. Antifungal agents prevent the growth of fungi that cause infections in the body and destroy them, thus controlling the spread of the infection.
In the treatment of black fungus, antifungal drugs are usually taken intravenously or orally. In the initial phase of treatment, high doses of intravenous drugs are usually administered to quickly control the infection. This surgical intervention may also involve the removal of parts of organs such as the nose and eyes, if necessary.
After the operation, various changes may occur in the patient’s appearance. However, such operations may be essential to prevent the black fungus infection from reaching life-threatening dimensions. Therefore, it is necessary not to forget the importance of these interventions, which are performed for the purpose of preserving life rather than for aesthetic concerns.
Is black fungus disease present in Turkey?
Black fungus is a common infection in regions such as India, Panama, Israel, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. It is known that the fungi that cause this disease are widespread in these ecosystems. Recently, the disease has spread to Iraq and has been seen in our country in the past. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions.