Gangrene: causes, symptoms, and treatment & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is gangrene?

Gangrene or gangrene is a condition when some body tissue dies as a result of blood flow to the tissue from the circulatory system. Gangrene usually affects the areas farthest from the heart, such as the fingers and toes. However, this condition can also attack other parts of the body. Gangrene can even attack internal organs.

Gangrene is a medical emergency that can lead to amputation and even death.

Gangrenous sores can spread through the body and cause shock if left untreated. Shock is a serious condition characterized by a variety of symptoms including dangerously low blood pressure. Recognizing and treating the condition as quickly as possible can increase the life expectancy of the sufferer.

How common are gangrene sores?

Gangrene can occur in both men and women. However, it is most common in diabetic patients or patients with peripheral vascular disease. Gangrenous lesions can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of gangrene?

The first sign of dry gangrene is a red streak that appears around the tissue. The lines may turn black at a later date.

Some of the other signs and symptoms that indicate you have this condition include:

• Red, painful, or swollen sores
• Sores that are filled with pus or smell foul
• Isolated areas on the body feel cold
• Repeated wounds appearing on the same body part
• Unusually discolored body parts (green-black, red, blue or copper)

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop this condition from worsening and prevent other medical emergencies. For that, talk to your doctor immediately to prevent this serious condition.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes gangrene?

There are two things that cause this condition to occur, including:

Lack of blood intake

Blood provides oxygen, nutrients to nourish cells, and components of the immune system, such as antibodies to ward off infection. Without adequate blood intake, cells don't get enough nutrients to survive and tissue rot.

Infection

If the bacteria have been growing for a long time, an infection can develop and cause tissue to die, leading to gangrene.

Triggers

What increases my risk for gangrene?

There are many risk factors for gangrene, including:

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the feet or hands
• Raynaud's disease
• Diabetes
• Blood clot
• Appendix
• Hernia
• Smoking, alcohol, injection drugs
• Other physical events can increase your risk of having this condition. You are more likely to experience gangrene if:
  • have decreased immunity due to medical conditions or cancer treatments
  • just had surgery
  • have had head injuries, animal bites, severe burns, severe frostbite
  • have experienced a traumatic experience that involved the destruction of body tissue
  • never had an injection of promethazine hydrochloride which caused tissue damage.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is gangrene diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects you have this condition, a physical exam and several tests will be recommended, such as:

• Laboratory analysis of tissue or tissue samples.Tissue samples from parts of the body are examined under a microscope to look for dead cells.
• Blood test.A very high white blood cell count can indicate gangrene infection.
• Medical imaging.Several types imaging or medical imaging is useful for diagnosing the spread of gangrene to internal tissues, such as x-rays, MRI, or CT scan.

How is gangrene treated?

Some of the recommended treatment options for gangrene wounds include:

• Antibiotics.Doctors can give antibiotics if there are bacteria. Usually, antibiotics are given intravenously, so they can go straight into the bloodstream.
• Vascular surgery.For people with poor blood circulation that causes gangrene, vascular surgery (surgery on an artery or vein) may be recommended to increase the flow of body tissues.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber. This method is done by placing a person who has gangrene in an oxygen-rich environment so that it can inhibit the development of bacteria. Providing oxygen to the damaged tissue can aid in recovery.
• Debridement network.In the case of serious gangrene injuries, tissue or dead body parts need to be removed. This process is called debridement.
• Amputation.For serious cases, amputation of organs, fingers or toes may be necessary to save your life. People who need to perform an amputation can be assisted with a prosthesis, or artificial limb, to replace the missing part.
  

Home Remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat gangrene?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with gangrene:

Treatments for diabetes

If you have diabetes, make sure you check your hands and feet every day for possible sores and signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or drainage. Ask your doctor to check your hands and feet at least once a year.

Lose weight

Being overweight not only puts you at risk of diabetes, it puts pressure on your arteries, constricts blood flow, which creates the risk of infection, and hinders wound healing.

Don't use tobacco

Chronic use of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of this condition.

Prevent infection

Clean open wounds with water and mild soap and keep them dry and clean until they heal.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.