Gangrene
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What is gangrene?
- Gangrene is the death of tissues due to the cessation of blood flow to an area of the body. It has five types:
- First type: Dry gangrene: blood flow to an area of the body becomes blocked.
- Second type: Wet gangrene: blood flow to an area of the body becomes blocked with accompanying bacterial infection.
- Third type: Gas gangrene: a bacterial infection that produces gases in gangrene.
- Fourth type: Internal gangrene: blood flow to an internal organ becomes blocked.
Fifth type: Fournier’s gangrene: This type of gangrene results from an infection in the genital organs or urinary tract.
What are the symptoms of gangrene?
- Symptoms vary depending on the cause. If it is due to a cessation of blood flow, symptoms may include:
- Red swollen skin.
- Severe pain or loss of sensation in the affected area.
Pale skin with a cold sensation.
- If the cause is a bacterial infection, symptoms may include:
- Skin color changes from red to brown, and eventually to purple or green-black.
- Chills.
- Crackling sound when pressing on your skin (indicating a buildup of gas in your tissues).
- Rapid breathing and increased heart rate.
- Feeling hot or sweating.
- Fever.
- Vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
Sores and blisters that emit blood or foul-smelling pus.
What causes gangrene?
- Diseases affecting the arteries and veins, such as:
- Blood clots.
- Burns or wounds caused by contaminated and unclean sources.
Chronic diseases like diabetes.
What are the diagnostic methods?
- The doctor takes the medical history and conducts a clinical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as needed, such as:
- Blood tests.
- A sample of fluids or tissue from the affected area is used to identify the type of bacteria.
- Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
Surgery: a surgical examination under anesthesia might be necessary to confirm the gangrene diagnosis deeper within the body.
What are the treatment methods for gangrene?
- Treatment involves several procedures as needed and may include the following:
- Removal of dead tissues through:
- Surgery, to remove dead parts to avoid complications like bacterial infections.
- Amputation in very severe cases, if removing dead and infected parts is not possible.
- Treating the infection, often through antibiotics.
- Restoring blood flow through catheterization or artery bypass surgery.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers oxygen to affected areas to prevent death and minimize complications.
- What are the ways to prevent gangrene?
- Carefully monitor any wounds and seek immediate care if signs of infection appear.
- Quit or avoid smoking; for more details, refer to the smoking cessation guide.
- If diabetic, it’s important to take extra care of your feet.
- Follow a balanced diet.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
Exercise
What are the complications of gangrene?
- Without treatment, gangrene can lead to more severe complications, the most serious being:
Sepsis, a condition where bacteria spread in the blood, leading to lowered blood pressure, septic shock, and potentially death.
When should you consult a doctor?
- See your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Sudden pain at the site of surgery.
- Foul-smelling discharge from a sore.
- Pale, stiff, cold, and numb skin.
Fever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should you visit the doctor if there are signs of gangrene?
