Gangrene is a potentially fatal condition that is often the complication of poor blood supply to tissues in certain parts of the body. The condition is often associated with diabetes, but there are other conditions that can cause gangrene too. In many cases of gangrene, your extremities are affected. This may include your arms or legs. The condition sometimes starts at the fingers or toes and then gradually spreads to larger parts.
This post takes a closer look at what gangrene is, the causes behind the condition, and treatment options that are currently available. We also consider the outlook and prognosis in cases where you are diagnosed with gangrene.
An Overview Of Gangrene
Gangrene is a condition where tissue in the body dies. The reason for the death of tissue is linked to poor blood flow to the specific region. The blood circulatory system supplies body tissue with both blood and oxygen. Every part of the body relies on the supply of oxygen and blood to remain functional and healthy. Apart from the blood supply, gangrene can also develop when there is a serious infection in a specific part of the body, which causes the tissue to die.
The extremities are generally the initial parts of the body affected by gangrene. With this said, there are certain types of gangrene that affect internal organs. These may not cause any visible symptoms at an early stage, but can later cause the skin in the surrounding area to change color.
When gangrene is not treated at an early stage, it can lead to serious complications. This includes a risk of septic shock, which is an urgent matter that can result in death.
Here is a quick overview of the different gangrene types that can develop:
- Dry gangrene is when there is a disruption or blockage in blood flow.
- Wet gangrene occurs when poor blood flow is accompanied by a bacterial infection.
- Gas gangrene is caused by a bacteria known as Clostridium. There are cases where it is caused by other bacteria too.
Understanding The Symptoms
Being able to recognize the signs of gangrene early on is crucial. This can help to prevent the condition from spreading and becoming worse, as early treatment is generally associated with better outcomes.
The symptoms depend on whether you have internal or external gangrene. We are going to assess the symptoms of each scenario.
Internal gangrene is when the condition affects organs and tissue inside your body. It can lead to the following symptoms:
- Pain in the affected region
- Constant low blood pressure
- A fever that lasts for a prolonged period
- In some cases, confusion can occur
When external gangrene develops, it often starts with redness on the skin. This is especially the case with dry gangrene. The redness may sometimes turn into a black color over time. Other signs of external gangrene include:
- The affected area may feel cold compared to the rest of your body
- You may not be able to feel any sensations when you touch the area
- The skin may turn blue or have a bronze appearance
- A wound may develop, which is painful and inflamed
- If there is a wound, it may give off an unpleasant smell and leak pus
- Sores in the area may come back frequently after being treated
Dry gangrene can lead to wet gangrene if it is not treated properly and at an early stage. In this case, additional signs of a bacterial infection may manifest.
Gangrene Causes
Gangrene is generally caused by a lack of blood and oxygen to a specific area of the body or a serious infection that causes the death of tissue in a particular region. There are several conditions that can contribute to these particular causes.
People with the following conditions have a higher risk of developing gangrene:
- Atherosclerosis
- Peripheral artery disease
- Diabetes
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Buerger’s disease
- Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome
- Vasculitis
It is, however, important to note that physical trauma to an area of the body can sometimes also be the cause behind gangrene. This is especially the case when a person suffers a gun wound or is involved in a car accident. Frostbite can also lead to the development of gangrene.
Treatment Options
The treatment largely depends on the type of gangrene and the condition’s severity. This is why early diagnosis is such an important matter that has to be taken into consideration. Your healthcare provider may need to order a number of tests before they are able to determine what the best treatment option is.
If there is a bacterial infection, then you may be provided with antibiotics. The antibiotics can be delivered through an injection or intravenously, as this helps to ensure it gets to work faster. When a vascular condition is causing gangrene, there are certain surgical procedures that may help to restore blood flow to the area.
When you have gas gangrene, there are certain cases where you may be placed in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. This chamber introduces an oxygen-rich environment to the affected area, which effectively slows the rate at which bacteria grow. When bacteria growth is reduced, the skin has an opportunity to start healing.
Tissue debridement is used in more serious cases. Either chemicals or surgical tools are used to remove dead tissue from the body. This procedure can help to reduce the risk of a bacterial infection spreading and causing gangrene in other parts of the body.
When gangrene becomes a medical emergency, there may be a need for amputation of the affected part. This stops the infection from spreading and rids the body of the dead tissue that gangrene has caused.
The outlook can be positive in cases where you recognize gangrene early on and when appropriate treatments are provided. With this said, late diagnosis and failure to utilize the right treatments can be fatal.
Conclusion
When there is a significant restriction in blood flow to tissues in a specific area of your body, gangrene can sometimes develop. This condition leads to the death of tissue, which may require removal through surgery to prevent gangrene from spreading further. Make sure you educate yourself about the symptoms and take action should you notice any of these signs related to gangrene.