Gangrene is tissue death caused by a lack of blood supply. Symptoms vary by type, with wet and dry being the main types. Dry gangrene is caused by poor blood flow and progresses slowly, while wet gangrene is caused by infection and progresses rapidly. Gas gangrene is a type of wet gangrene caused by a specific bacteria and requires immediate treatment. Treatment typically involves restoring blood flow and removing dead tissue.
Gangrene often occurs when the blood supply to a part of the body has been cut off, resulting in tissue death. Symptoms of gangrene differ according to the type, with the two main types being wet and dry gangrene. In dry gangrene, an area of the body becomes cold, numb, and red, eventually shriveling and turning black in color. In cases of wet gangrene, the area is swollen, sore, and black, usually resulting in ooze that has an unpleasant odor. There is also a certain type of wet gangrene, called gas gangrene, in which an infected wound is swollen, painful, and produces bloody discharge, often resulting in a fever and an irregular heartbeat.
Most cases of dry gangrene result from insufficient blood flow through the arteries, usually due to diabetes, high cholesterol or smoking. Typically, symptoms of gangrene of this type begin with the area feeling numb and cold, usually colored red. Over time, the area turns brown, eventually resulting in a black color and wrinkled appearance. Dry gangrene usually progresses slowly, so knowing the symptoms of gangrene of this type can help patients receive treatment as soon as possible. The main method of treatment is to restore adequate blood flow to the affected site.
Wet gangrene typically forms from an infected wound, as swelling caused by the infection can cut off blood flow. This event can allow bacteria to begin invading the muscles, growing over time. Most gangrene symptoms of this type are typical of any infection, such as swelling and tooth decay, oozing, unpleasant odor, and extreme pain at the affected site. The patient may also have a fever and the site usually turns black in color, alerting the patient that there is a problem that deserves medical attention. The typical treatment of wet gangrene is the removal of dead tissue, as well as antibiotics given intravenously.
Gas gangrene is a subset of wet gangrene and is usually caused by the growth of a type of bacteria that thrives only when there is no oxygen. It’s called Clostridia and this type of bacteria is known for producing poisonous gases inside the wound. The most common symptoms of gangrene caused by this bacteria include swelling, bloody discharge and extreme pain. Patients also often develop fever, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. Gas gangrene needs to be treated quickly before the toxins cause damage to internal organs, and treatment is typically the same as the methods used for general wet gangrene.
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