Gas gangrene is a rare but dangerous type of gangrene. It occurs due to a deep infection in the body. The infection can be inside the muscles or organs due to physical trauma.
Bacteria known as clostridia spread poisons or toxins in the body. They often get trapped in the tissues along with gas. Gas gangrene leads to death within 48 hours if left untreated.
Symptoms of Gas Gangrene
The following symptoms can identify gas gangrene:
- Painful swelling
- Skin turning pale or brownish-red
- Blisters filled with brown, and red fluid
- Increased heart rate
- Heaviness in the affected area
- Fever
- Skin turning yellow
- Sweating
- Formation of vesicles which eventually combines to form large blisters
Causes of Gas Gangrene
Gas gangrene occurs due to the bacterium Clostridium perfringens. It thrives in the absence of oxygen. Group-A streptococcus can also lead to the growth of these bacteria.
The condition develops suddenly at the site of a recent wound or trauma. Patients with blood vessel diseases like atherosclerosis, colon cancer, or diabetes are at a higher risk.
Post-traumatic gas gangrene occurs due to trauma caused by gunshot wounds, compound fractures, or crush injuries. Post-operative clostridial infection due to bowel perforation, a ruptured appendix, or colon resection can also lead to gas gangrene.
Diagnosis of Gas Gangrene
If you are wondering how gas gangrene can be detected, here’s how:
- Skin culture test: It helps determine the presence of Clostridium perfringens and other bacteria.
- Blood tests: Blood tests detect abnormally high numbers of white blood cells. A high white blood cell count suggests infection in the body.
- Imaging tests: Sometimes, imaging tests like an X-ray need to be done to find the presence of gas in the tissues. Special studies like MRI or arteriogram can also help diagnose gas gangrene.
- Surgery: Sometimes, surgery needs to be performed to evaluate the spread of gas gangrene inside the body.
Treatment Options
Some treatment methods to treat gas gangrene are as follows:
- Amputation: It is a surgical method for removing arms or legs. Amputation can often stop the infection from spreading.
- Debridement: Sometimes, a surgical procedure needs to remove damaged, infected, and dead tissues.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: It is beneficial for treating Clostridium perfringens infection.
- Repairing blood vessels: Sometimes, repairing damaged blood vessels can improve blood flow in the affected area.
- Antibiotics: As per gas gangrene facts, antibiotics can manage the infection.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Sometimes, a reconstructive surgery known as a skin graft needs to be done to treat damaged tissues. During the procedure, your physician will extract healthy skin from an unaffected part of the body. The removed skin is attached to the damaged areas. The surgery helps restore skin damage caused due to gas gangrene.
- Removal of the uterus: Sometimes, uterine gas gangrene occurs due to septic abortion. In that case, removal of the uterus becomes mandatory.
Prevention Methods
Always clean skin injuries properly and apply proper antibiotics. Some lifestyle changes that can prevent the risk of gas gangrene are as follows:
- Manage existing health conditions like arterial disease and diabetes
- Avoid all tobacco products
- Work out regularly to manage your weight
- Eat a healthy diet comprising vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains
Ending Note
Gas gangrene spreads quickly, and at times the changes are visible on the skin surface within two to three minutes. Always remember to clean your wounds and take antibiotics to stop infection.
Dead tissues or other foreign objects should always be removed from wounds. If you experience any symptoms of gas gangrene, seek medical advice immediately.