A recent study presented by researcher scholars of the Imperial College Of London and Exeter University, pointed to an increasing threat to human beings from killer fungal infections.
BBC recently reported the views of Professor Neil Gow of the University of Aberdeen, who stated that over one million people die from fungal infections around the world every year. Yet, there are no vaccines and there’s a ‘pressing need’ for new treatment options.
The reports also state that there are five million types of fungi, but only three major groups cause the majority of deaths : Aspergillus – which affects the lungs, Cryptococcus – which mainly attacks the brain, Candida – which infects mucosal membranes including in the mouth and genitals.
Professor Gow further added that “Most people know about mild fungal infections, but nobody’s ever died from mild Feet infections like athlete’s foot.
‘However, a million people die a year from fungal infections and we need to understand these different types of infections and how to deal with them.
While the awareness levels on fungal infections are fairly high in Pune, it is advisable to seek immediate medical advise in specific fungal infections that may pose serious risk, say these experts and informed citizens Pune365 spoke with:
Dr Madhav Gokhale, MD, an Infectious Diseases specialist says, “Fungal infection involving the skin are very common these days, especially in the moist areas. There are some natural fungi which grow in the human body as we have microbes.
People with a weak immune system fall prey to fungal infections easily.
Ringworm, Jock itch, Athlete foot and yeast infection are some of the common fungal infection which can be treated easily. Fungal infections affecting the toenail can be uncomfortable and so it’s definitely something you’ll want to sort out sooner rather than later – Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment could remedy the problem once and for all. Apart from this, there are deadly fungi which directly affects your lungs, brain and genitals. These require immediate medication.
Dr Gokhale further added that the symptoms are generally typical for few fungi’s like itching, swelling around the reproductive organ, cracking or dry peeling of the skin in the infected area. As well as taking prescribed medication, wearing compression or diabetic socks can also help foot infections. The difference between compression socks and diabetic socks can mean different things for different types of infections. It’s important to find out what type of infection you have before treating it. However, some infections are also contagious and hence one must avoid contact with a person suffering from a fungal infection.
Self-medication must be avoided. It is advisable to get it examined by a qualified doctor to avoid serious complications.
It can be treated with antibiotics and creams and in case of severe infections, additional treatment can be given, depending on the reach of infection.
Fungal infection aren’t as dangerous as a car crash or a cardiac arrest, It is only in extreme cases where people die out of fungi,” says Aditya Titharmare, Techie.
Depending on where the infection is evolved from, and how healthy immunity a person has. If a person is bound to stay in an unhygienic manner or an environment, fungal infection is mainly observed in them.
Most people get at least one fungal infection in their lifetime, but they get through it without much risk of permanent loss Though it is the matter of concern if the infection has reached the level of bloodstream, it then needs to be taken seriously before its too late.
See a doctor if the infection persists with no signs of going down after 3–4 days, adds Titharmare.
Fungal infections are bound to happen in any environment because fungi are omnipresent in plants, animals and humans, says Deepika Patel, Medical student.
Mild fungal infection are often seen in people and exhibit a normal rash with itching. Fungal infections in the lungs are as dangerous as Tuberculosis and needs to be checked and treated immediately.
Fungi grows in moist regions of our body like the mouth, folds of the skin and genital region.
People tend to wear damp clothes, shoes and socks, avoid doing it. Because it can enhance fungal growth on the skin, Patel adds.
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