Awareness key to controlling black fungus: SGPGI docs
LUCKNOW : Doctors of Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) said little awareness about diagnosing, black fungus could be controlled with a bit of awareness about diagnosing early symptoms and treatment.
“Prevention is the key for controlling black fungus,” said professor Amit Keshri, nodal officer of 12-member committee of doctors on Covid 19 cases associated with Mucormycosis (CAM).
“People who have been on oxygen or steroid support must be monitored regularly in order to control the spread of black fungus. The black fungus besides affecting lungs can also affect eyes and other functions of the body,” he said.
“With a bit of care in management of Covid 19 cases we can prevent this infection. Uncontrolled diabetes and poor monitoring of sugar levels is a deadly combination that might lead to black fungus infection. Hence, people Covid-19 infected people must check their sugar levels regularly, especially those taking treatment under home isolation. They have to keep a tab on their blood sugar level during treatment and even after recovery,” he said.
“Those Covid-19 patients in home quarantine and on teleconsultation and on steroids must be extra cautious as Covid treatment may trigger diabetes,” he said.
Director PGI professor Radha Krishna Dhiman said, “I appeal to everyone to not go for self-medication. One must understand that not all Covid-19 patients require steroids or oxygen support for recovery.
These have to be used judiciously under the observation of doctors. Overuse of anything could be harmful.”
“Many people are preaching treatment through steroids on WhatsApp or other social media. We appeal to all to use
steroids judiciously and under the strict supervision of doctors. The blood sugar level of patients including non-diabetics must be monitored as Covid-19 treatment may trigger diabetes.”
The SGPGI doctors said that
Amphotericin B injections (antifungal injection) should not be used without consulting doctors.
Amphotericin B injection is an expensive injection recommended in dosage of 5ml per kg weight of the patient.