Gangrene

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Gangrene

• By Jesse Garcia

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What Is Gangrene?

• Gangrene is a disease that occurs when blood
  supply is cut off.
• This depletes oxygen, which then causes the death
  of cells.
• There are two types of gangrene
• Dry When tissues dry and slough off because not
  enough blood is being provided.
• Wet/Gas When bacteria infect an open wound.
• Gangrene also occurs after surgery, or severe
  trauma.

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What Does Gangrene Affect?

• Gangrene can affect many different areas of the
  body, which may include
• Toes
• Feet
• Fingers
• Hands
• Arms
• Abdomen
• Intestines

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The Symptoms of Gangrene

• Symptoms may include
• Bubbling of the skin, caused by the release of
  hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases.
• Crackling or rubbing sensation under the skin
• Numbness at the sight of infection
• Discoloration of the skin starting white to
  eventually brownish-red or black
• Dark red or black muscles and bones if the skin
  breaks open
• Frothy, watery, foul discharge
• Fever around 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Pale skin
• Decreased activity
• Rapid heart beat

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How Is Gangrene Diagnosed?

• Diagnosis is based on a patients medical history
  and physical exam.
• Other tests may include
• X-rays, to search the patients body for gas
  bubbles
• Blood tests to search for any cultures within the
  patients blood.

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What Are the Long-term Effect of Gangrene?

• Long-term effects of gangrene may include
• Permanent death of tissues in the affected area
• Amputation of the affected limb or removal of the
  affected organ
• Sepsis, or blood poisoning
• Shock
• Death, especially in cases where the abdomen and
  intestines are affected

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What Is the Treatment for Gangrene?

• Gangrene must be treated immediately.
• If the affected area appears to be swelling,
  intravenous antibiotics would be given.
• Blood thinners to stop blood clotting may also be
  applied.
• Pain medications are provided to treat
  discomfort.
• Usually amputation is a must to prevent the
  spread of gangrene.