What Happens When You Inhale Black Fungus?
- Dr. Koralla Raja Meghanadh
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Black fungus, or mucormycosis, is a rare but dangerous fungal infection caused by the mucor fungus we inhale daily. A healthy immune system easily prevents the fungus from causing harm. However, individuals with severe weakened immunity are at risk of developing this severe condition.
What is Black Fungus?
Black fungus, or mucormycosis, is a rare and aggressive fungal infection that spreads rapidly through blood vessels and tissues. It is a fulminant invasive fungal infection. It can double in size within a few hours, and the speed of spread depends on the patient's immune system.
The infection typically begins in the nose and sinuses. As it progresses, it can extend to the cheeks, eyes, and even the brain within a matter of days, leading to severe complications and potentially death.
Due to its rapid progression, doctors often begin antifungal treatment as soon as mucormycosis is suspected, even before test results are available, to improve the chances of survival.
What are the Signs of Mucormycosis?
Severe pain in the cheekbone, teeth, eye, or head. This pain cannot be relieved by regular painkillers.
Black nasal discharge
Double vision
Decreasing eyesight
Swelling of the eye, nose, or cheek
Watery eyes
Redness in the eye
Severe facial pain is the most common, first and mandatory symptom of mucormycosis. If you experience this pain, immediate medical attention is essential. At this stage, survival rates can be as high as 90%. However, as time passes, the chances of survival decrease to as low as 5%.
Can You Avoid Mucor or Black Fungus?
Yes, it is possible to reduce the risk of black fungus (mucormycosis) by wearing an N95 mask. This mask helps limit exposure to fungal spores commonly present in the environment.
It is important to note that mucor is abundant in the air and on decaying organic matter, making complete avoidance impossible. However, minimizing exposure, can significantly lower the risk, particularly for individuals with compromised immunity.
Summary
In summary, inhaling mucor fungus is usually harmless for most people. However, for those with severely weak immune systems, it can lead to severe infections like mucormycosis. So, maintaining a strong immune system is crucial.
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