Amid the havoc of the coronavirus epidemic, new diseases have started appearing. Recently there have been cases of black fungus, white and yellow fungus, and conditions like happy hypoxia and herpes simplex.
Meanwhile, now the case of green fungus has also come to the fore. It preys on patients suffering from weak immunity and other serious diseases, including lungs.
The first case of green fungus surfaced in Indore
A case of green fungus has been reported in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, of a 34-year-old patient who was cured of corona infection. This is the first such case in the country.
He has been airlifted from Aurobindo Hospital in Indore to Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai for treatment.
He was admitted to the hospital about two and a half months ago due to a 90 per cent lung infection. Recently, in the investigation, the green fungus was confirmed in his lungs.
Ravi Dosi, head of the Department of Chest Diseases, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS), Indore, said that the patient was examined for the possibility of black fungus as his health did not improve. It revealed that he had a green fungus (aspergillosis) infection in his sinuses, lungs and blood. The patient was cured, but later, he started bleeding nose and high fever.
What is the cause of green fungus?
According to Hindustan Times, Dr Dosi said that Aspergillosis, i.e. Green fungus is an infection caused by Aspergillus fungus. It is found everywhere inside and outside the house. This infection can be caused by breathing in an environment where its spores are present.
He said that most of us breathe in such environments but do not become more infected. However, patients with weak immunity, lungs or serious diseases can become infected with it.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the green fungus can cause allergic reactions, lung infections and infections in other parts of the body. However, it is not a contagious disease and does not spread from person to person.
Which people are most at risk of green fungus?
According to the CDC, several types of aspergillosis, or green fungus, affect different people. People with cystic fibrosis or asthma are most at risk. Similarly, people with lung-related diseases like tuberculosis weakened immunity, people with organ transplants, cancer, those taking chemotherapy, breathing difficulties, and those who use steroids are more prone to this infection.
What are the symptoms of Green fungus?
According to the CDC, different types of aspergillosis or green fungus cause various symptoms. However, its common symptoms include asthma, difficulty breathing, cough and fever, headache, runny nose, sinusitis, nasal congestion or runny nose, bleeding nose, weight loss, coughing up blood, loss of smell, Weakness and fatigue. In such a situation, if such symptoms are seen, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
According to the CDC, special attention should be paid to cleanliness and oral hygiene to avoid fungal infections. Avoid going to such places where there is an accumulation of dust, soil or water. If it is necessary to go to such sites, then the N95 mask should be used. Similarly, hands and face should be washed with soap and water regularly, especially if exposed to soil and dust. Likewise, a doctor’s advice is also necessary.
Doctor Dosi has said a need to study whether the infection of green fungus in people who have recovered from corona differs from other patients?
Recently, Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr Randeep Guleria had said that fungal infections in patients should not be looked at based on their complexion. Still, the symptoms and dangers of the disease should be seen.