Gangrene
Gangrene
The death of tissue in a portion of the body is called gangrene.
The death of tissue in a portion of the body is called gangrene. When a bodily part loses its blood flow, gangrene may result. For instance, an infection or injury could cause this.
Causes
When a bodily component loses its blood supply, gangrene develops. This could be from an illness, an accident, or other factors. Gangrene is more likely to occur if you have:
- A significant wound
- A condition affecting blood vessels in your arms or legs, such as arteriosclerosis, also known as artery stiffening
- Diabetes
- Immune system suppression (due to chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS, for example)
- Surgery
Symptoms
The location and etiology of the gangrene determine the symptoms. The following symptoms may appear if the skin is affected, or if the gangrene is near the skin:
- Discoloration (either red or golden if the affected area is beneath the skin, or blue or black if the skin is damaged)
- Offensive-smelling discharge
- Loss of feeling in the affected area, which could follow from excruciating local discomfort
The following symptoms could appear if the damaged location is inside your body, such as gas gangrene or gallbladder gangrene:
- Confusion
- Fever
- Gas in the tissues below the surface
- All around animosity
- low BP
- severe or ongoing discomfort
Exams and Tests
A physical examination by your healthcare professional may be used to identify gangrene. The diagnosis of gangrene can also be made using the tests and techniques listed below:
- To aid in the treatment planning of a blood vessel condition, an arteriogram is a specialized x-ray used to detect any blockages in the blood vessels.
- Tests on blood (high white blood cell [WBC] count possible)
- CT scan for internal organ examination
- Culture of wound fluid or tissue to detect bacterial infection
- Looking for cell death by microscopically examining tissue
- X-rays
Treatment
Gangrene needs to be evaluated and treated right away. Dead tissue should generally be removed to promote healing of the surrounding living tissue and stop the spread of infection. Treatment options for gangrene vary depending on the affected location, the patient’s general health, and the gangrene’s etiology.
- Removing the affected bodily portion due to gangrene
- A last-minute search and elimination of dead tissue
- An surgery to enhance the region’s blood supply
- Antibiotics
- Repeated procedures (debridement) to remove dead tissue
- Care in the critical care unit (for very sick patients)
- Using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to raise blood oxygen levels
Outlook (Prognosis)
What to anticipate is contingent upon:
- Where on the body does gangrene occur?
- The amount of gangrene
- The general state of the individual
Death is possible if:
- Therapy is postponed
- There is widespread gangrene.
- The patient has other serious medical issues.
Possible Complications
Complications are dependent upon:
- Where the gangrene is located on the body
- The amount of gangrene
- The reason behind the gangrene
- The general state of the individual
Among the complications are:
- Incapacity resulting from amputation or tissue removal
- Extended wound healing or the requirement for skin grafting or other restorative operations.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Get in quick contact with your provider if:
- An area has persistent sores or a lesion that never heals
- A section of your skin becomes black or blue.
- Any wounds on your body are discharged with an unpleasant odor.
- You experience chronic, inexplicable pain in a certain place.
- You have a continuous, inexplicable fever.
Prevention
If gangrene is treated before there is irreversible tissue loss, it may be avoided. In addition to receiving the appropriate care, wounds should be closely monitored for infection symptoms (such as expanding redness, swelling, or drainage) or nonhealing.
Individuals who have blood vessel disease or diabetes should regularly check their feet for any indications of damage, infection, or skin color changes and get medical attention when necessary.
