What are Black Fungal Disease Symptoms?

Black Fungal Disease: Key Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Mucormycosis is a severe, rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds known as mucoromycetes. Although it usually has no impact on healthy people, it can lead to fatal disease in people with weak immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer therapy, uncontrolled diabetes, or recovering from COVID-19.

Usually impacting the sinuses, brain, lungs, or skin, the black fungal infection can swiftly permeate the whole body if not treated promptly. Managing the illness effectively depends on understanding its symptoms.

Read ahead to understand the symptoms of black fungal disease, its risk factors, diagnosis, and possible treatments.

What are the Symptoms of Black Fungal Disease?

Symptoms of mucormycosis (black fungal disease) vary depending on the part of the body affected. The most common symptoms are listed below, according to their different types:

1. Rhinocerebral (Sinus and Brain) Mucormycosis

• Facial swelling (particularly on one side)
• Black lesions on the nasal bridge or the upper inside of the mouth
• Nasal or sinus congestion and discharge (sometimes bloody or black)
• Headache and fever
• Vision changes or blurred vision

2. Pulmonary (Lung) Mucormycosis

• Fever and cough
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

3. Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Gastrointestinal bleeding (in severe cases)

4. Cutaneous (Skin) Mucormycosis
 

• Blisters or ulcers
• Skin turning black
• Localized pain or swelling

5. Disseminated Mucormycosis
 

• Changes in mental state
• Coma (in advanced stages)

If the infection spreads, patients might show a mix of these symptoms. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential since the condition might be fatal if untreated or cause significant tissue damage.

Who is at Risk for Black Fungal Disease?

Usually, mucormycosis (black fungal disease) affects people with weakened immunity. The following conditions or treatments may raise your risk:

• Uncontrolled diabetes, especially with diabetic ketoacidosis
• Cancer and chemotherapy
• Organ or stem cell transplant
• Prolonged corticosteroid use
• COVID-19 infection, especially in patients treated with steroids
• HIV/AIDS
• Iron overload or prolonged hospitalization
• Injuries involving contaminated soil or water (for skin infections)

During the COVID-19 epidemic, cases of black fungus among COVID-19 recovering patients increased as a result of steroid overuse and underlying diabetes, particularly in India.

How is Black Fungus Diagnosed?

Mucormycosis diagnosis calls for a clinical exam and diagnostic testing, including:

• Tissue Biopsy: To verify fungal findings under a microscope.
• CT/MRI Scan: For internal spread, particularly in the sinuses, brain, or lungs, a CT (computed tomography) scan or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is needed.
• Cultures and Blood Tests: These could reinforce the diagnosis.

How is Black Fungus Treated?

The treatment of black fungal disease includes the following:

• Medications: Immediate administration of antifungal medicines, typically amphotericin B, posaconazole, or isavuconazole.
• Surgical Intervention:Surgical removal of infected and dead tissue may include affected facial structures in severe cases.
• Managing Other Health Conditions: It is essential to recovery to manage underlying health conditions, such as reducing immunosuppressive drugs or controlling diabetes.

Black fungal disease is a rapidly spreading and lethal infection that primarily affects immunocompromised people. Although rare, its aggressive nature calls for immediate medical attention. Early symptom recognition, control of underlying health issues, and initiating prompt antifungal medication can help avoid fatal consequences.

Thus, it is essential to have health insurance to secure your health and finances at critical times. At Star Health, our insurance policies cover a wide range of health conditions. We provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals.