ABOUT MUCORMYCOSIS:

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious fungal infection caused by fungus, inhaled though the mouth and nose. In recent pandemic, it is common in COVID-19 patients due to indiscriminate use of steroids and antibiotics in the treatment of COVID-19 management. It is very commonly seen in diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood sugar level.

TIPS TO PROTECT FROM MUCORMYCOSIS:

a. Check blood glucose levels regularly :Twice a day.

b. Routine eye check-up, especially post COVID-19 infection.

c. Cautious use of steroids', antibiotics and antifungals as per doctor's advice.

d. Use clean sterile water for humidifiers while undergoing oxygen therapy.

e. Keep your house ,surrounding clean and dust free to avoid exposure to fungal spores in air.

f. Avoid eating stale food, have fresh and nutritious food intake.

g. Always use mask to protect from COVID-19 infection & dust inhalation.

When to Consult your Doctor?

Look at following symptoms:

a) If you have pain in eyes.

b)when you have swelling or numbness in eyes.

c)Drooping of Eyelids.

d) If there is loss of vision or any vison changes.

e)When you have stuffy nose.

f) heavy nasal discharge.

g) High fever if more than 100 degree Fahrenheit.

h)Continuous headache.

i)Constant coughing

h)when you have shortness of breath.

j)when mental status is altered.

Is Mucormycosis dangerous?

It depends on when do you consult your doctor. Any disease if diagnosed early have better chances of recovery. So it is better to be alert. Person having diabetes is more prone and should monitor his sugar level constantly and if it continuously above normal i.e 250 or more then please consult doctor and increase your insulin intake to bring sugar level back to normal. If it goes beyond control then one also need to remove part of eyes or where it is spread.

Is Mucormycosis treatment costly?

It also depends on when is it detected .If detected early it is not costly but after some days of occurrence its spread increases so need for medication also increase and hence cost also increase. In current scenario it is costly mainly due to shortage of antifungal medicines.

Is it contagious?

No it is not contagious. But within body it spreads rapidly.But is not transmissible  from person to person.

I am not doctor but have been guided on this blog by my doctor friend Dr. Arpit Shah who is an Eye Specialist.