Get rid of the fungus – effectively and forever

The mucous membrane of the mouth refers to the very important barriers of the
human body to bacteria and pathogens. It is
very closely associated with all organs and systems of the body, takes an active
part in digestion, respiration, and speech. Diseases of the oral mucosa can
appear for several reasons. These include infections, including
fungal, various allergic reactions, diseases of other departments and systems of the
body, acute infectious diseases such as measles, flu, scarlet fever and
so on. Also, diseases of the oral mucosa very often arise against a
background of cardiovascular diseases, endocrine dysfunctions,
and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Diseases of the oral mucosa begin with aphthous
stomatitis. Immunological imbalance of the internal organs, which is
allergic in nature, characterized by endocrine dysfunction, stress, vitamin deficiency.
Symptoms are the appearance of ulcers on the mucous membrane of the mouth and genitals, eye
diseases. The treatment is carried out in-patient, comprehensively by a dermatologist, therapist
and neuropathologist. Remediation, that is, professional cleaning of the oral cavity by a
dentist, is mandatory.

Xerostomia is an increased dryness of the oral mucosa
due to reduced excretion of natural lubrication (saliva and mucus). Similar
disorders are observed in diseases such as diabetes mellitus, allergies and
some other pathologies. Symptoms are dry mucosa, the membrane is
atrophied, inflamed, there is a constant burning sensation in the mouth. Treatment is
based on the underlying disease, sanitation is performed and proper oral hygiene is needed
.

Lichen planus appears on the skin and mucous membranes. The disease is caused by disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Symptoms are the appearance of papules that form a network and plaques. Treatment is associated with the elimination of concomitant diseases, rehabilitation, and the necessary treatment at the dentist.  
 

Stomatitis is an inflammatory disease of the oral
mucosa. The reason can be any factor – dysbiosis, problems of
the gastrointestinal tract. Local treatment is carried out at the dentist, and general –
at the therapist. In this case, an examination for AIDS, syphilis, tuberculosis is necessary.

Cheilitis is a disease of the lips that is inflammatory or
trophic in nature. It arises as a result of hormonal, viral effects,
that is, long exposure to ultraviolet light, a lack of vitamin B2, fungal
infections, thyroid dysfunction, and so on. Symptoms are expressed in
swelling of the lips, pain.

Diseases of the oral mucosa reflect the general condition of the
body, since the mucosa is associated with all its systems and organs.
Therefore, if there are signs of any disease, in addition to
going to the dentist, you must also undergo a full examination to identify the
focus of occurrence.

The clinical picture of fibular lesions is very diverse and reflects the whole spectrum of possible CNS lesions. The type of pathogen depends on the immune status of the patient. In individuals with normal immune status, cryptococcosis is most often detected, and in immunodeficiency states, candidiasis or aspergillosis. In third world countries, fungal diseases are more common than in Europe. Coccidioidosis, histoplasmosis are found in the Americas, and blastomycosis in America and Africa.  

Cryptococci affect primarily all patients with AIDS, somatic diseases and other conditions characterized by impaired cellular immunity (with lymphomas, after organ transplantation or treatment with corticosteroids), less often with normal immune status. The primary infection in the sludge is the lungs. CNS disease occurs in acute or subacute form and is a combination of multifocal granulomatous encephalitis with meningitis, while symptoms of both meningitis and encephalitis may predominate. 

Of the subjective symptoms , headache is most often encountered, which may be accompanied by symptoms of encephalitis such as personality changes, confusion, focal neurological disorders. In some cases, the only manifestation of the disease is] moderate cognitive deficit. In CSF, signs of chronic meningitis are detected, which in the case of immunodeficiency are minimal. When staining the preparation of CSF with mascara, cryptococci appear in half the cases, if this does not happen, the diagnosis can be confirmed by a test for antigens in the blood and CSF. In patients, Fiba growth is detected after 2-6 nsd. after sowing CSF. Sometimes it will also be possible to detect the growth of Fibo after sowing blood, saliva, urine or feces.  
  

Amphotericin B and flucytosine are the means of choice . With immunodeficiency, prolonged use of flucytosine is recommended to prevent relapse. Candidiasis is rarely limited to central nervous system damage, most often representing a systemic fungal disease. In many cases, it is complicated by surgery on the internal organs, prolonged preservation of the venous catheter, treatment with corticosteroids, drug use, etc. The disease can occur in acute or chronic form, may or may not be accompanied by fever. Symptoms of meningitis or meningoencephalitis may be noted.  
  

In the study of CSF, the usual picture of chronic meningitis is revealed. Occasionally, itosis reaches 2000 cells in 1 μl. The diagnosis is based on the detection of yeast in the study of CSF preparation or inoculation of CSF on appropriate media. Treatment consists of amphotericin B and flucytosine.  

Fungal diseases of the legs – mycoses, are considered one of the most common skin diseases. Mycoses affect people of any age, and there are about a hundred different species of fungi that cause this disease. The fungus that appears once on the legs is not very easy to cure, it can poison a person for a very long time his sweet existence. After all, it causes constant itching, the desire to comb the skin in the affected area, and also makes it impossible to wear open shoes. 

Fungi are very resistant to various drugs and disinfectants, they can live for more than 5 years in shoes, clothes and other household items. Sick people and their things infected with mycosis can be a source of fungal infection. The fungal disease itself has various forms, the easiest of which is peeling of the skin in the area of ​​the feet. In this case, peeling, slight redness and slight itching of the foot are observed. In conditions of elevated temperature, scuffing and sweating of the legs, the fungal disease becomes more severe – vesicular, when vesicles with transparent contents appear on the legs. 

Bubbles itch a lot, burst and form new areas for infection . Very often, fungi are localized between the toes, forming weeping cracks there, surrounded by a whitish horny layer of the skin. In the affected areas, severe itching appears, and sometimes pain in the place of deep cracks. If the fungus is not treated, then over time it affects the nails of the toes, penetrating into an injured or loosened nail, and most often the thumb and little finger are affected. Affected nails become thick, tan, crumble and break. 

In the event that only the skin on the legs and less than half the nail plate are affected, you can get rid of the fungus using antifungal ointments, creams and folk remedies. The course of treatment with ointments and folk remedies is quite long, so you can get rid of the fungus on the feet and between the fingers by using them for one month, and treatment on the nails should be carried out until the healthy nail plate regrowth, that is, about one year. 

Of the commercially available ointments and creams for combating foot fungus, the following creams have worked well: ketonazole, lamisil, mycozoral, nizoral, pimafucin, loceryl, and also an antifungal nail polish. If the toenails are completely affected by the fungus, then without ingestion of medications, the fungus can not cope. Effective drugs for oral administration are nizoral, lamisil, orungal, mycosyst and griseofulvin, but they should be taken only after getting rid of the already damaged nail plate, which cannot be achieved without the professional help of the surgeon or without the use of special ointments softening the nail. Take drugs only as directed by a dermatologist to avoid possible adverse reactions of the body.  

Treatment of the nail plate affected by the fungus is a very time-consuming and expensive process , so you can not start a fungal disease and treatment should begin at the first sign of mycosis. In the initial stages of the disease, it is possible to cure the foot fungus and between the fingers with simple folk remedies. In the treatment and disposal of fungus helps foot baths from urine (urine). It is necessary to pour morning urine into the basin and hold the legs in it for 10 minutes, then wash the feet with water and wipe dry. The entire procedure against the fungus should be carried out at least 2 times a day, and after 10-14 days of using the product, replace it with another. Fungi adapt very quickly to the drug, and it may be ineffective with prolonged use.   

The next traditional medicine recipe for fungus is to take a head of onion, clean it and pass through a meat grinder. From the resulting slurry, squeeze the juice and wipe the affected areas on the legs with a cotton swab dipped in onion juice. In this case, it is impossible to wash off the juice until it dries. Instead of onion juice, many people use wine vinegar, it also helps to treat fungal skin lesions between the fingers and feet.  

If small watery vesicles appear on the leg , which cause pain and itching, then you need to buy a 35% salicylic ointment in the pharmacy and spread them on the legs, then put on a plastic bag and socks on top of it. It is necessary to wear such “shoes” on your feet until the evening, and in the evening smear the ointment again and also put on a bag of socks. The procedure will have to be repeated for a week, which helps to completely cure the fungus. 

You can soften the nail plates affected by the fungus with a piece of tea fungus. To do this, cut a small piece from the tea fungus and attach it to the nail, cover with cellophane on top and bandage with gauze. In the morning, peel and cut off the softened nail, wash the feet in a solution of potassium permanganate and put on clean socks.  

In folk medicine, a garlic compress is used to treat the nail fungus, which is very simple to prepare. Peel the garlic, crush it with the garlic and attach the resulting mass to the diseased nail. Keep the compress all night, repeat the procedure until the nail is completely cured of the fungus. Softens the nail plate daily rubbing it with tea tree oil or eucalyptus. 

After the course of treatment is successfully carried out, do not rush to calm down. To prevent fungal disease, constantly treat the skin of the sole and interdigital folds with sprays and aerosols against the fungus. Wear only your shoes, never wear someone else’s. After visiting saunas, baths and pools, wash your feet thoroughly and dry them. Use only your towel and other personal care products. And remember, it is best to buy shoes from genuine leather so that it does not create a greenhouse effect favorable for the propagation of fungi. Process the inside of the shoe more often with 30% vinegar or 25% formalin.  

Of the fungal infections, the most common actinomycosis is most often observed in the respiratory tract. Differentially diagnostic it is necessary to take into account all processes with chronic suppuration, mainly tuberculosis. First of all, the cervical lymph nodes (with the exception of the occipital ones), the lungs, and less commonly the cecum are affected. General symptoms correspond to a chronic purulent infection (the wrong type of temperature, night sweats, leukocytosis, accelerated ROE). They vary with the prevalence of the process. The diagnosis is easily established when there are characteristic actinomycotic friends in the pus. 

Since the process is rarely limited only to internal organs , it is almost always possible to get pus. Endocarditis, meningitis, and brain abscesses are rare. The effect of therapy does little to diagnose. The aerobic type of actinomycete is sensitive to sulfonamides, the anaerobic type is sensitive to penicillin. 

A rare fungal disease is histoplasmosis , which is rarely diagnosed in the acute stage. It is characterized by a chronic course with uncharacteristic increases in temperature, leukopenia, splenomegaly, enlargement of the liver and lymph nodes, as well as the formation of ulcers on the nasal mucosa, pharynx and digestive tract. In more than half of cases, hypochromic anemia and skin changes are found. The lungs, one might say, are always affected, but foci in the lungs are difficult to recognize in the acute stage. In case of cure, extensive calcifications are found in almost all organs, and especially in the lungs and spleen.  

The diagnosis is confirmed by a histoplasmosis test (a skin test with an antigen – histoplasmin from Histoplasma capsulatum). In acute cases, the fungus can be found in the blood, sternal puncture and in the affected areas of the mucosa. The fungus can be grown. 

Sporotrichosis , like actinomycosis, is extremely rarely limited to only the lungs. Finding the fungus in the lymph nodes and in the foci of skin lesions, as a rule, facilitates the diagnosis.

Coccidioidomycosis (Coccidioides immitis) is observed mainly in California, rarely in Europe. Of the fungal diseases considered, this is the most contagious. Initially, the respiratory tract is usually affected. The foci are scattered throughout the lungs, caverns are formed, hemoptysis appears. The erythema nodosum encountered in this disease is especially difficult to differentiate from tuberculosis. The disseminated form, accompanied by meningitis, is very rare. The diagnosis is confirmed by skin breakdown and complement binding reaction. 

Sortrichosis and aspergillosis (soortrichosis and aspergillosis) do not give a clear picture of the disease. They primarily cause chronic processes in the lungs that can simulate tuberculosis and secondary pneumonia. Aspergillosis is often layered a second time in chronic pulmonary diseases.   

Rare fungal diseases are cryptococcosis, geotrichosis and chromoblastomycosis (Cryptococcosis, Geotrichosis and Chromoblastomycosis). In North America and Canada, in obscure cases with darkening in the lungs with simultaneous localization on the skin and bones, one should also remember the possibility of blastomycosis [Blastomycosis (Gi1christ disease)]. The presence of the fungus in sputum, the positive results of the complement binding reaction and skin test confirm the diagnosis.  

Fungal diseases as the cause of febrile conditions are increasingly observed recently with prolonged treatment with antibiotics. Innocuous fungi themselves, such as Candida (Monilia) albicans, grow luxuriantly in the body after antibiotics eliminate the rest of the flora. Moniliasis occurs, as a rule, after a febrile period. It is impossible to make a diagnosis only on the basis of the presence of the fungus in excrement: it is necessary at least to exclude other possible causes. Monilia albicans give magnificent growth primarily in the respiratory, intestinal and genitourinary tract. In some cases, fungal sepsis leads to death. 

After prolonged antibiotic treatment , abscesses and sepsis caused by thrush are also observed.  

Mycotic lesions of the skin of the eyelids and eye area are most often observed in childhood, adolescence and young age, i.e. at the age when it is least likely to encounter cases of cancer of the eyelids, nevertheless, they can become a source of diagnostic errors. This is due to the fact that some fungal skin diseases, especially deep mycosis of the skin – actiomycosis and blastomycosis, as well as highlighted by Soviet dermatologists (S.L. Bogrov, O.P. Podvysotskaya, S.K. Rozental, N.A. Chernogubov and etc.) A special form of trichophytosis of adults is found, for example, in patients in that period of life when malignant lesions of the skin of the eyelids are most often observed. 

The possibility of diagnostic errors in such cases is explained by the fact that the external signs of the manifestation of fungal skin diseases are in many respects very similar to those for eyelid cancer. The superficial forms of mycosis of smooth skin, occurring on the spine and mainly on the face, can also be observed on the eyelids. They have the appearance of rounded and oval solitary lesions, surrounded by a thin rim of an undermined epithelium, protruding somewhat above the surface of the skin, or by a sharply hyperemic peripheral roller.  

On the surface of the roller , bubbles or crusts are often visible , and in the center of the focus some retraction is revealed, covered with a flaky epidermis. The deep form of mycoses also manifests itself in the form of solitary, correctly rounded or oval, mostly large foci, on the surface of which there are follicular pustules, very reminiscent of the brushes characteristic of cystic basalomas. Since they are accompanied by significant, and even sharp intradermal infiltration, they may well resemble skin cancer of the eyelid.  

The long-described cases of favus, accompanied by an increase in dense cervical, occipital and behind-the-ear lymph nodes (L.K. Goretsky), only confirm the possibility of such diagnostic errors in the recognition of eyelid cancer.  

For the recognition of fungal diseases of the eyelids and cancer of the protective apparatus of the eye, it is necessary to be guided by the following very important points. 1. Anamnestic data invariably indicate a longer existence of skin cancer until external manifestations of malignant growth appear in comparison with the short existence of fungal skin lesions.  
  

It should be noted that chronic mycotic skin lesion in adults is rarely localized on the face, and if it is localized here, it has completely different clinical signs than skin cancer of the eyelids: mycosis is often accompanied by itching, erythematous spots characteristic of it can have a bluish tint; fungal lesions rise less above the surface of the skin than any exophytic growing tumor of the skin; they affect large areas of the skin much faster as a result of the fusion of numerous small foci and turn into a continuous scaly surface of the scalloped shape with a bluish tint; on the periphery of the affected area, pronounced inflammatory phenomena are observed, which very rarely accompany skin cancer of the eyelids.  

2. Any superficial trichophytosis of smooth skin usually manifests itself in the form of erythematous spots of a round and less oval shape, having on the periphery only a more hyperemic shaft, on which, however, small vesicles or crusts are sometimes visible, which could lead to an erroneous thought about the presence of cystic basal cell carcinoma or folliculo -epitheliomas.  

Meanwhile, skin cancer of the eyelids , as a rule, rises more above the surface of the skin with exophytic growth or is accompanied by ulceration with endophytic growth, has a clearly defined and dense roller along the periphery, and with a cystic form consists of separate small brushes, sometimes merging and covered with an ulceration with a crust . 

3. In cases difficult for differentiation , it is necessary to resort to microscopic examination of scales or scrapings from foci of microsporia on smooth skin, to crops on appropriate media to obtain growth of a fungal culture, or to a biopsy of a suspected tumor of the skin of the eyelid.

Fungal diseases and infections can be divided into two categories: superficial and invasive. Superficial infections are associated with colonization of the external auditory meatus and middle ear. Superficial non-invasive infections are manifested with minimal symptoms such as ear itching, discharge, unexpressed pain, this condition is often found in patients with impaired immunity after local or systemic antibacterial therapy with a decrease in the normal microflora of the middle ear and the skin of the external auditory meatus.    

The external auditory meatus and the tympanic membrane are most susceptible to the non-invasive fungal process , and the tympanic cavity may also be involved. Candida and Aspergillus are the most common pathogens of the fungal process. Otoscopy reveals pathological contents of black or white. Treatment includes ear toilet followed by topical antifungal medications such as drops of 1% clotrimazole or lotrimin / triamcinolone ointment.  

Invasive fungal infection usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. Cryptococcosis is usually manifested by neurological symptoms: headache, confusion, depression, and agitation during germination in the temporal bone in the terminal stage. 

Aspergillosis most often begins as a pulmonary infection with the direct entry of fungi through the auditory tube into the middle ear. Mucormycosis affects the paranasal sinuses and orbit and proceeds with lightning speed. All three types of fungus invasive infections of the external auditory canal, middle ear or mastoid process are quite rare in immunocompromised patients. 

The clinical picture includes severe acute pain with discharge from the ear, bleeding from the ear, sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. Dizziness and paresis of the facial nerve may be present. With invasive fungal otitis media, the most common pathogen are fungi of the genus Mucor, then Aspergillus and Cryptococcus. Treatment includes surgical treatment and the use of systemic antifungal drugs such as amphotericin-B. Invasive fungal infections are associated with severe complications and high mortality.  

Histopathologically, fungal infections can be identified by their characteristic appearance. Candida is dimorphic, that is, the fungus exists in two forms, unicellular and filamentous forms are more common, but candida can exist in the form of a pseudohyphus. 

Cryptococcus is a unicellular, filamentous and spherical fungus. Aspergillus is a septum hyphae with partitions. Mucor also forms island hyphae, but without partitions. Fungal infections can induce the development of granulomas. A feature of fungal infections is vascular thrombosis and widespread tissue necrosis, never manifested in superficial infections. 

Invasive fungal infections of the temporal bone involve the middle ear, submucosal layer and eardrum, and also lead to nerve infiltration in the internal auditory canal, membranous labyrinth, Rosenthal canal with loss of neurons and occlusion of the labyrinth arteries.

Of great interest is the mechanism of development of fungal and inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Antibiotics with prolonged use cause the phenomenon of dysbiosis and thereby contribute to the development of bacterial and fungal superinfection. Limited and generalized fungal diseases are observed. With limited mycoses, the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx are affected. As for generalized fungal diseases, then the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive tract and internal organs are affected. These diseases are caused by yeast-like fungi such as Candida albicans.  

Fungi of the genus Candida live on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and pharynx. They are antagonists of the saprophytic microbial flora there. As long as there is antagonism between different inhabitants, the biological equilibrium established between them is preserved, which characterizes the normal microflora of the oral cavity and pharynx. But this ratio can be broken as a result of the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics suppress the vital activity of microbes sensitive to them, but in this regard, create room for the development of microbes and fungi that are resistant to antibiotic substances. Decreased vital activity or the death of microflora sensitive to antibiotics creates a favorable background for the manifestation of the pathogenic properties of antibiotic-resistant microbes and fungi.  

As for inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and pharynx, these are usually caused by staphylococcal infection, which, as it has been revealed recently, shows significant resistance to the action of various antibiotics (I. G. Akimov, G. F. Gauze, Heinberg – Heinberg – and etc.).  

Side effects associated with the use of antibiotics, we noted in three patients. One patient had dermatitis, another had pharyngeal candidiasis, which developed after intramuscular injection of a large amount of penicillin, and a third patient had inflammation of the oral mucosa and pharynx after taking biomycin tablets. These complications were quickly eliminated by the use of appropriate therapy. 

Antibiotics play and will continue to play a large role in the fight against otogenic meningitis and other infectious diseases. But we should not forget the shady sides of antibiotic therapy, which, however, do not detract from their merits. This fact underlines the importance of the rational use of antibiotics and the prevention of possible complications. 

Treatment of allergic diseases caused by the use of antibiotics consists in the fact that antihistamines are prescribed for such patients: diphenhydramine (0.05 3 times a day), 10% calcium chloride per tablespoon 3 times a day, 10% chloride solution calcium intravenously. Cortisone is prescribed on the first day at 0.1 3 times a day, on the second day – at 0.1 2 times, and starting from the 3rd day at 0.1 1 time per day. Adrenocorticotropic hormone 10-20 IU 3-4 times a day intramuscularly Contraindications for the appointment of cortisone and adrenocorticotropic hormone are hypertension, heart failure, acute endocarditis, gastric and duodenal ulcer. In anaphylactic shock, 1 ml of adrenaline (1: 1000), 1 ml of a 10% caffeine solution, intravenously 10 ml of a 20% solution of calcium chloride are injected subcutaneously and inside of 0.1 diphenhydramine. Limited fungal lesions of the oral mucosa and pharynx caused by a fungus of the genus Candida albicans respond well to the local effects of borax in glycerin.

To do this, take a 10% solution of borax in glycerin to lubricate the affected areas of the mucous membrane. For the same purpose, a 10% solution of boric glycerol, a 1% alcohol solution of malachite greens, and a Lugol solution in glycerin are used locally . Gargling with alkaline solutions (2% solution of soda or borax). With extensive candidiasis, a 3-5% solution of sodium iodide or potassium iodide is prescribed (1 tablespoon 3 times a day); produce 10 injections of a polyvalent yeast vaccine (initially intracutaneously in doses of 0.1-0.2-0.3-0.4, and then intramuscularly at 0.5-0.6-0.7-0.8-1.0). In addition, patients are prescribed treatment with the anti-yeast antibiotic nystatin. Patients take nystatin 2 days for 4 tablets, 2 days for 6 tablets, 2 days for 4 tablets, a total of 28 tablets containing 14 million units. Patients take nystatin and iodine preparations after meals and drink them with milk. In addition, such patients are prescribed ascorbic acid, multivitamins, vitamin K.  

The following measures are recommended for the treatment of complications arising from the endolumbal administration of penicillin: 1) intramuscular injections of lobelin (adults 0.3-0.5 ml, children 0.1-0.3 ml); 2) injections of 1-2 ml of a 20% solution of caffeine (adults); 3) 25-50 ml of a 2% solution of chloral hydrate in an enema; 4) intramuscular injections of a 10% solution of hexenal (adult patients 8-10 ml, children 2-5 ml). 

Some authors, with the aim of preventing complications, recommend giving patients, before subarachnoid administration of penicillin, chloral hydrate in the form of an enema or intramuscularly hexenal.

In recent years, an increase in the role of diseases caused by previously less etiologically significant pathogens has been noted , namely, a clear increase in fungal infection in childhood pathology. The high frequency of candidiasis in pregnant women, according to A.S. Ankirskaya, reaching 60%, is the reason for a rather massive infection of newborns during childbirth. 

G. A. Samsygina points out that along with the mucous membranes and skin, the gastrointestinal tract serves as the entry gate for candida with the formation of generalized candidiasis or central nervous system candidiasis. Moreover, generalized candidiasis increased from 1.9% of cases in 1975 to 15.1% in 1995. 

According to V. B. Antonov , an increase in the incidence of visceral mycoses all over the world is accompanied by the formation of especially virulent strains of pathogens, causing not only sporadic diseases, but also massive outbreaks in high-risk groups with a severe course and a fatal outcome. With the development of mycosis under the influence of environmental and iatrogenic causes, a stepwise deepening of immunodeficiency occurs, which predetermines further chronicity of the process and a sequential increase in relapse. The author defines mycoses as diseases of progress and civilization. 

Fungal flora is essential for recurrent and chronic external and middle otitis media. This problem was especially acute after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, when a large number of children with disseminated and generalized forms of mycoses appeared. 

Children of a young age are the largest group of risk of fungal infection, particularly Candida. It can occur in acute and chronic form, be a local process, as well as systemic, visceral, generalized and proceed especially hard. 

G. N. Buslaev et al. established the frequency of candidiasis, which ranges from 30-40% among children transferred to the neonatal pathology department. In this case, the diagnosis of candidiasis in the direction of the maternity ward is practically not found. 

The increasing role of fungi in the pathology of ENT organs causes new problems in connection with the development of an atypical clinical picture with a specific course and an increase in the percentage of complicated forms of pathology.  

To date , many issues of treatment and prevention remain unresolved. There are problems of late diagnosis. Pathogenetic treatment in these cases is difficult, since the cause of the disease remains unrecognized for a long time. There is no adequate treatment, taking into account the age characteristics of the child’s body.  

The term ” otomycosis ” currently means a fungal disease of the external auditory canal, other parts of the ear, as well as mycosis of the cavities after surgery on the ear (Kunelskaya V. Ya.).
For the first time this disease was described in the middle of the XIX century, in 1844, by the German doctor Mayer. In an 8-year-old girl, a fungus was isolated from a pathological detachable external auditory canal. The second description belongs to the Italian explorer Pacini. Moreover, judging by the description, in both cases there was a fungus of the genus Aspergillus. Then more and more often isolated reports of observations of otomycoses began to appear (Cramer H., Wreden R. R., Hagen R., Bezold F., Politzer A.). A more complete description of this disease, new for that time, was given in the works of R. R. Wreden in 1867 and in the work of F. Siebenmann.  

Russian doctor R. R. Vreden analyzed 14 cases of clinical observations. The causative agents in 10 cases were fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Therefore, mycotic ear disease was called “aspergillus myringomycosis.” In a monograph by F. Siebenmann on mold mycoses of the ear, 27 clinical observations are analyzed. The causative agents were also fungi of the genus Aspergillus. In Russia, in addition to R.R. Vreden, V.P. Ilyin was involved in the studies of otomycosis. Given that in the first studies on otomycosis there was no clear data on the microbiological characteristics of the pathogen, this disease in countries with a temperate climate was unreasonably forgotten.  
  

In addition, works began to appear from countries with a tropical and subtropical climate, in which the idea was expressed of the direct influence of such factors as a hot climate on the introduction of pathogenic fungi into the outer ear of a person. W. K. Hatch and R. Rou in 1900 recorded 22 cases of otomycosis in 1 month at the Bombay hospital. M. Langeron led a clinical observation of fungal otitis media in Brazil. A.M. Dunlap described several cases of otomycosis in China.  
 

At the same time , a large number of works by other authors appear, which, studying otomycosis, concluded that increased incidence is observed in countries with hot climates (Bristow WJ, Reeh M. J., Davis, Coghlan C. ZM, Basil-Jones B. M, Lurie H.). In order to emphasize the connection of otomycosis with a hot climate, the authors gave the disease new names: “tropical ear”, “Singapore ear”, “tropical otomycosis”, etc. Based on these clinical observations, they began to believe that otomycosis occurs exclusively in tropical countries. and other descriptions of otomycosis began to be skeptical.  

Only in the 30-40s of our century in Europe again there were cases of a single disease of otomycosis (Motta, Cjill, Ms Burnney, Seaney, Braun, etc.). In all the cases described, the causative agents were fungi of the genus Aspergillus with localization of the process in the area of ​​the external auditory canal. These scientific reports were an incentive for clinicians to a deeper study of the disease (Polyansky L.N., Shea, Brailovsky Y. Z.).   

In the 60-70s of the XX century, in connection with new scientific developments in the field of mycological research, as well as the unreasonable active use of antibiotics, a significant number of works appeared based on dozens of observations (Kunelskaya V. Ya., Lvova S. V., Arya , Mohopatra, Cojocarn et al. Ms. Gill). The first reports of mycotic complications of postoperative cavities after radical surgery on the ear appeared (Preobrazhensky N. A., Cavados, Fendell, Lumsden). 
  

The most complete description of mycotic lesions of cavities after radical operations on the middle ear in his work “Fungal diseases of the postoperative cavity of the middle ear” is given by N. A. Lev. Having examined 40 patients, the author came to the conclusion that along with the specific clinic characteristic of fungal lesions, fungal diseases of the postoperative middle ear cavity can be observed. The clinical picture of this disease has much in common with non-epidermal cavity of another etiology. Callahan et al. believe that surgical failure during surgery on the ear is often due to a fungal infection not detected before surgery.  

Among fungal occupational diseases, aspergillosis and actinomycosis deserve special attention .  

Aspergillosis is most often caused by molds Aspergillus fumigatus and niger, and these fungi are pathogenic not only for humans, but also for animals (birds, domestic animals: horses, donkeys, cows, dogs, etc.). When inhaling dust containing fungal spores, the so-called pneumomycosis develops, proceeding as bronchitis (sometimes asthmatic) and recurrent bronchopneumonia. They are found in bakers, flour mills, working elevators and breweries, agricultural workers, carpenters, joiners, feather-pickers, workers in paper spinning mills.

In addition to respiratory diseases, these fungi can cause ulceration of the cornea (usually as a complication of trauma), inflammation of the outer and middle ear, and skin damage.  

Prevention consists primarily in the arrangement of rational dedusting ventilation , personal protection (dust masks, goggles) and compliance with personal hygiene rules.  

Actinomycosis. Called by radiant mushrooms that parasitize plants. These include actinomycetes that live on plants (especially cereals), in soil, and water.

Actinomycetes are pathogenic to humans and cattle. Occupational diseases with actinomycosis are possible in agricultural workers. Infection can occur through the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. With a broncho-pulmonary form of actinomycosis, a cough with mucopurulent sputum with an admixture of blood is observed. In advanced cases, there may be: a chronic lung abscess, exudative pleurisy, and when the fungus grows into the chest wall – non-healing fistulas. The intestinal form is relatively rare and is also characterized by a tendency to abscess formation and the formation of fistulas.  

When skin lesions are distinguished, gummous, ulcerative and tubercular forms, with painless nodules, which are subsequently softened and opened. Serous-purulent discharge contains yellowish grains – Druze fungus.

In order to prevent the threshing , loading and unloading of grain, the preparation of spinous feed, it is necessary to use dust masks and respirators. Spin feed should be steamed. Sick animals are subject to isolation, and the premises where they were kept are disinfected.  

Fungal diseases can give a very colorful radiological picture, which can most likely be mixed with chronic tuberculosis processes, cancer and lymphogranulosis atosis. For all chronic, unclear processes that do not respond to sulfonamides, one should think about fungal etiology. 

Actinomycosis of the lungs . It is clinically characterized by an extremely long course of secondary pneumonic processes with fever, mucopurulent sputum, often with leukocytosis. Isolated actinomycosis of the lungs is rare, more often it is also found in other places, especially in the mouth and lower jaw.
The diagnosis is based on the detection of fungi in the sputum, which is repeated in almost all cases with repeated studies. 

In addition to the radiant fungus other fungi may also be etiological factors, but in Central Europe they are very rare. With prolonged treatment with massive doses of antibiotics, they seem to be more common. They should be thought of if, after antibiotic treatment, the picture on the part of the lungs worsens, the intermittent temperature is delayed, and other, more frequent causes of this are excluded. The diagnosis here is made in the presence of fungi in the sputum. We can talk about streptotrichosis, candidiasis (candida albicans), torulopsis, leptotrichosis, aspergillosis, oosporosis, oidiomycosis, in America – blastomycosis (workers in the tobacco industry), coccidiosis and histoplasmosis. With histoplasmosis, foci in the lungs calcify and they must be differentiated from tuberculous dissemination. If fungi are not found, the diagnosis is based on a reaction with an antigen, local and general phenomena, and a positive complement binding reaction (Wegmann).

Fungal diseases can be layered a second time on existing lung lesions (bronchiectasis, cavity formation). Aspergillus-infected lung cysts acquire double contours (Brunner, oral communication). Aspergilloma appears, apparently, as an independent primary lung disease. Aspergilloma can be thought of in the presence of prolonged (months, years) blackouts in the lungs with a good general well-being of the patient and the absence of other causes. Fungal cultures in bronchial secretions obtained by bronchoscopy confirm the diagnosis (Scarinci). Secondary fungal pneumonia with prolonged therapy with cortisone (leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis) are common complications. 

With toxemycosis (Gsell), lung lesions are caused by toxic decomposition products of fungi. Of the clinical pictures of such toxicosis, the most famous is the threshing fever (farmer’s disease), which occurs in persons participating in the threshing of moldy grains – barley or Oats. The disease begins suddenly with fever, headache, cough and basal bronchopneumonia. It is clear that the disease is caused by a fungal infection of the threshed grain.  

Eosinophilic pulmonary infiltrates.

– Löffler’s volatile eosinophilic infiltrate has the following characteristic features. – Volatility : the classic eosinophilic infiltrate should completely disappear after a few days, at most after 10 days. With a longer duration of infiltration, one should be careful with this diagnosis. – Eosinophilia ranges between 7 and 70% with a normal or only slightly increased white blood cell count. Often, eosinophilia is most pronounced not during the highest density of the infiltrate, determined radiologically, but a few days later (phase shift). Sometimes, therefore, it is necessary to re-search for eosinophilia in the blood.  
 
  

– Clinically, infiltration can be completely asymptomatic: in these cases, it is found by chance. In other cases, there is an indefinite feeling of some indisposition, especially often pleuritic pains are felt over several days, intensifying with breathing; often there is a slight cough. – Infiltrate has no favorite places of localization. Any parts of the lungs can be affected, and consequently, the tops of the lungs and basal areas. In most cases, the infiltrate is solitary, but there may be multiple infiltrates; infiltrates can also appear repeatedly.  
  

– In laboratory , in addition to eosinophilia, a slightly accelerated ROE is often observed, but it can be completely normal. – Since with volatile infiltrates in the vast majority of cases we are talking about invasion of roundworms, it is necessary to examine feces on roundworm eggs. But they do not appear during the presence of an infiltrate, but more than 50% after 2 months after the end of the ascaris larvae of their development cycle. 
  

Eosinophilic infiltrates are found not only with Ascaris invasion, but also with bronchial asthma, in sensitized individuals as a result of hypersensitivity to plants (privet, lion’s tooth, lime blossom, May bell, etc.) ”as well as bacterial allergens. 

Minor eosinophilia may sometimes be accompanied by tuberculous infiltrates, but they are not so volatile and there are other tuberculous manifestations.