Gangrene :-
Gangrene is a serious condition where a loss of blood supply lead body tissue to die. It can affect any part of the body but commonly begin in the toes, feet, fingers and hands.
Gangrene can take place as a result of an injury, infection or a long-term condition that affects blood circulation.
Gangrene Signs & Symptoms :-
The symptoms of gangrene differ depending on the underlying cause. It can affect any part of the body, but normally begins in the toes, feet, fingers or hands.
General symptoms of gangrene :
• initial redness and swelling,
• either a loss of sensation or critical pain in the affected area,
• sores or blisters that bleed or release a dirty-looking or foul-smelling discharge (if the gangrene is caused by an infection),
• the skin becoming cold and pale.
In some of the cases, the affected limb can feel heavy and pressing the skin may generate a crackling sound. These symptoms are caused by a increase of gas under the skin.
If the area is contagious, you can also have other signs related to the underlying infection, such as :
• High temperature of 38C or more,
• Feeling hot and shivery,
• Loss of appetite,
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing,
• Dizziness.
If the treatment is not done the affected tissue will begin to die. When this take place, the area colour changes red to brown to purple or black, before shrivelling up and falling away from the surrounding healthy tissue.
Gangrene Causes :-
Gangrene can take place when the supply of blood to an area of your body is break.
This can take place as the result of an injury, an infection, or an underlying condition that affects your circulation.
Gangrene Types :-
There are many different types of gangrene, each with a different cause. The main types are :
• Dry gangrene –
where the blood flow to an area of the body becomes obstruct.
• Wet gangrene –
caused by a mixture of an injury and bacterial infection.
• Gas gangrene –
where an infection take place deep inside the body and the bacteria in charge starts releasing gas.
• Necrotising fasciitis –
caused by a important bacterial infection that kay iut fastly from the deeper layers of skin and tissue.
• Internal gangrene –
where the blood flow to an internal organ, commonly the intestines, gallbladder or appendix, becomes blocked.
Gangrene Diagnosis :-
A diagnosis of gangrene is based on a mixture of physical test, medical history and tests.
Your doctor will find out if you have any long-term health conditions, or if you have recently undergo any injuries that could have caused the condition.
They will also survey the affected area to check for any obvious signs of gangrene, like a foul odour or discolouration of the skin.
A number of tests and examinations can be done to confirm the diagnosis of gangrene. These involve :
• Blood tests to look over for an infection.
• Fluid or tissue culture -
Where a small tissue or fluid sample from the affected area is tested to find out which bacteria are incharge for the condition and find the most productive antibiotic to treat it.
• Blood cultures –
where a sample of blood is taken and put into special culture bottles and placed in a warm environment (incubated) to inspire the growth of bacteria so they can be inspect further.
• Imaging tests –
a range of imaging tests, like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or computerised tomography (CT) scans can be used to confirm the availability and spread of gangrene. these tests also can be used to study blood vessels so any blockages can be identified.
• Surgery –
A surgical investigation under anaesthetic can be important to confirm a diagnosis of gangrene deeper inside the body.
Gangrene Treatment :-
Treatment for gangrene includes taking out the affected tissue, cure infection or treating any existing infection, and treating the problem that give rise to gangrene developing.
For example, if gangrene is caused by a poor blood supply, surgery may be used to repair damaged blood vessels. If gangrene is lead by an infection, strong antibiotics can be used as well as surgery.
Gangrene Prevention :-
Here are a few suggestions to help you lower your risk of developing gangrene :
• Care for your diabetes -
If you have diabetes, make sure you investigate your hands and feet daily for cuts, sores, and signs of infection, like redness, swelling or drainage. Tell your doctor to survey your hands and feet at least once a year, and try to control over your blood sugar levels.
• Lose weight -
Extra pounds not only put you at risk of diabetes but also place pressure on your arteries, constricting blood flow and putting you at risk of infection and slow wound healing.
• Do not use tobacco -
The chronic use of tobacco products can harm your blood vessels.
• Help prevent infections -
Wash any open wounds with a mild soap and water and try to keep them clean and dry till hey heal.
• look at when the temperature drops -
Frostbitten skin can cause to gangrene because frostbite lower blood circulation in an affected area. If you observe that any area of your skin has become pale, hard, cold and numb after prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, talk to your doctor.