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Gas Gangrene
Gas Gangrene
Highlights
1. Gas gangrene is a rapidly progressing and potentially life-threatening
form of tissue death, or gangrene.
2. Gas gangrene is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection.
Bacteria may get into an open wound and cause gas to form beneath
the skin, leading to tissue death. In rare cases, the condition may
occur as a result of poor circulation.
3. Gas gangrene is a serious infection that must be treated immediately.
Treatment usually consists of antibiotics or surgery.
Gas gangrene can occur anywhere on the body, but it most commonly
affects the arms or legs. Common symptoms include increased heart rate,
fever, and air under the skin. Skin in the affected area also becomes pale
and then later changes to dark red or purple. These symptoms usually
develop six to 48 hours after the initial infection and progress very quickly.
Treatment may include antibiotics and surgery to remove the dead tissue.
Occasionally a hyperbaric oxygen chamber may be used. Surgery consists
of debridement (removal of dead tissue) and sometimes amputation.
SYMPTOMS
fever
air under the skin
pain in the area around a wound
swelling in the area around a wound
pale skin that quickly turns gray, dark red, purple, or black
blisters with foul-smelling discharge
excessive sweating
increased heart rate
vomiting
yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) is a late sign
This condition spreads so rapidly that you can see obvious changes in the
skin of the affected area in just a few minutes.
CAUSES
muscle injuries
severely damaged tissues
wounds that are very deep
wounds that are contaminated with stool or dirt, especially those that
might occur on a farm
You are also at an increased risk for developing this condition if you have:
diabetes
arterial disease
colon cancer
frostbite
open fractures
used a contaminated needle to inject substances into your muscles
AD V ER T IS E M E N T
DIAGNOSIS
OUTLOOK
AD V ER T IS E M E N T
PREVENTION
Making certain lifestyle changes can also help reduce your risk for gas
gangrene. These include: