Gangrene: Causes And Symptoms

Gangrene is a serious disease that can lead to necrosis resulting in the death of the patient. In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms, types of gangrene as well as treatment and risk groups.

Gangrene is a serious disease that affects tissues, causing their necrosis. The cause is usually a bacteria known as Clostridium perfringens . However, there are different reasons and causes that a person can get sick.

Throughout this article, we will go over the different types of gangrene that have been discovered so far as well as their development. We will also discuss the symptoms of this disease as well as the importance of seeing a doctor as soon as possible to avoid death. One of the fatal consequences.

Types of gangrene

1. Dry gangrene

This first type of gangrene occurs when arteries and tissue become blocked, preventing blood flow from reaching the affected tissue.

One of the reasons is, in most cases, a vascular collapse that accompanies diabetes mellitus. However, people who have suffered freezing injuries or an atherosclerotic process can also suffer from it. In general, the treatment applied consists of vascular surgery, provided that the gangrene is detected in time.

2. Wet gangrene

Unlike the previous one, wet gangrene occurs due to contamination of a wound, either with earth or with other elements. This type of gangrene is fatal. It should therefore be treated with antibiotics as well as emergency surgery. It usually affects the mouth, intestines, lungs, vulva, and other mucous membranes in the body.

3. Gas gangrene

Gas gangrene is characterized by the development of rapid progression.  Thus, the main cause is the appearance of traumatic injuries.

On the other hand, the form of evolution is  the appearance of edema which makes circulation difficult. The way to fight it is to remove the damaged tissue as quickly as possible.

4. Fournier’s gangrene

This latter type of gangrene has a notorious feature. Indeed,  it tends to affect the perineal region of men and women. He is not a very common type. However, if it does occur, it is usually the case in people of a certain age.

Fournier’s gangrene  is quite severe and often requires very aggressive surgery  which may require amputation of the genitals. In some cases, once the problem is resolved, reconstructive surgery is usually done with skin grafts.

Symptoms

Now that we have detailed some of the most common types of gangrene, as well as the treatment options,  it is essential to address the most important aspect: the symptoms.

It is indeed essential to know the different symptoms in order to get to the emergency room as quickly as possible to avoid a fatal outcome, if it is gas gangrene. Remember that this disease leads to necrosis and that this, if not resolved, can lead to death.

• Skin color changes: it can turn purple, bronze or red
• Blistering or edema: sometimes accompanied by blistering
• Pain: severe in the area where the disease occurs
• Foul odor: indicates that the tissues are rotting (onset of necrosis)
• Fever: indicates that there is an infection

Another symptom that we can feel is discomfort. If the disease progresses quickly, the skin may start to fall off. Obviously, if most of these symptoms occur, go to the doctor immediately  to apply treatment and avoid amputation or death.

Groups at risk

It is important to know that the risk groups who can more easily contract gangrene are  people with diabetes, certain types of vascular disease, and even cancer.

In the event of an injury, it is preferable that they go to a doctor so that he disinfects and examines the lesion properly. This is the only solution to prevent the onset of this disease which is often fatal.

Finally, we hope that this article has helped you to solve many doubts about this disease. As well as learn more about the different types of gangrene.