White fungus in COVID patients: Doctor explains why it is ‘more dangerous’ than black fungus
White fungus can affect not just the lungs but also other parts of the body including nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain, private parts and mouth
As the central government asks states to notify black fungus or mucormycosis an epidemic, an infection called white fungus has also been found to affect some people.
These new cases of white fungus have been found in Patna, Bihar, and this infection is more dangerous than black fungus, Dr Arunesh Kumar, senior consultant & head respiratory medicine/pulmonology, Paras Hospital, tells indianexpress.com.
What causes white fungus?
This infection can be caused due to low immunity, says Dr Kumar, or if people come in contact with things that contain these moulds like water, etc. “Thus sanitation is important,” he advises.
Symptoms of white fungus
“Patients of white fungus show Covid-like symptoms but test negative; the infection can be diagnosed through CT-Scan or X-ray,” the doctor says.
White fungus can affect not just the lungs but also other parts of the body including “nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain, private parts and mouth”, he adds.
According to the doctor, COVID-19 patients are more prone to white fungus as it affects the lungs and similar symptoms are created like that of coronavirus.
“Those who have weak immunity like diabetes, cancer patients, and those who are taking steroids for a long period of time must take special care as they are more at risk. It is also affecting those coronavirus patients who are on oxygen support,” he says.
Who is more at risk of White Fungus infection?
Both White and Black fungus prey on people with low immunity. Along with this, people suffering from diabetes, cancer, critical illness or a patient admitted in ICU are more prone to black fungus. At the same time, the white fungus attacks people with comorbidities. People with cancer, excess blood sugar are more prone to white fungus.
How white fungus spreads in the body?
According to AIIMS professor Dr. Kaushal Verma, the white fungus begins from the tongue or private parts due to which, it makes the tongue white. It then spreads to other organs along with lungs, brains, food pipes.
How to avoid black and white fungus infection?
According to Dr. Pankaj Aggarwal, the first one has to avoid getting Covid infection. Therefore it is important to strengthen the immunity. Do not overuse steroids during covid treatment. Steroids should be given only when the oxygen levels go down and pneumonia occurs. When the condition is stable, reduce the number of steroids, so that there is no problem of blood sugar fluctuation. White and black fungus infections can be avoided in these ways.
Is taking steroids in fever a problem even after Covid recovery?
According to AIIMS Dr. Rakesh Malhotra, if even after one week of recovering from covid, a person is witnessing fever and breathlessness, then these are red flag signs. Steroids may therefore be required. In such a situation, you should immediately contact the doctor. The first week after the Covid recovery is very important. It is advised to stay clear of steroids at this time.
Disclaimer: This content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. For more information, please consult a doctor.
