Gangrene Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Gangrene is the death of body tissue due to not getting blood flow. This condition can appear on any part of the body but is more common on the toes, fingers, feet, and hands. Gangrene can arise as a result of injury, infection, or long-term illness that affects blood circulation in the body.
Gangrene can happen to anyone, especially after an injury that damages tissues and blood vessels. There are some populations that have a higher risk of developing gangrene. This is especially more common in patients with certain health conditions, which can affect blood circulation in the body.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of gangrene vary, according to the underlying cause. Gangrene can appear in any part of the body but is most common in the toes, fingers, feet, and hands.
Some of the signs and symptoms of gangrene are:
- Redness and swelling in the initial phase.
- Loss of sensation or excessive pain in that part of the body.
- Wounds that cause bleeding or the production of foul-smelling pus
- Paleness or discoloration of the skin.
The part of the body that is experiencing gangrene has a reduced blood supply. If there is an infection in the area, several signs and symptoms related to the underlying infection may occur, such as:
- Drop in body temperature (fever)
- Decreased appetite
- Increased heart rate and breathing
- Feeling dizzy
- Shivering
If left untreated, the tissue that is experiencing gangrene will die. When this occurs, the tissue changes color from red to brown, purple, and then black, accompanied by shedding of the surrounding healthy tissue.
Reason
There are some populations that have a higher risk of developing gangrene. This is especially more common in patients with certain health conditions, which can affect blood circulation in the body.
Some examples of diseases that can cause gangrene are:
- Diabetes. A long-term disease that causes high blood sugar levels.
- Atherosclerosis. Formation of fatty plaques in blood vessels that cause narrowing of blood vessels and obstruction of blood flow.
- Peripheral artery disease. Fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which block the blood supply to the leg muscles.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of gangrene is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and investigations. The doctor will ask about any chronic diseases you are experiencing or a history of injuries that can cause this condition.
After that, a physical examination of the area where there is a wound to see signs of gangrene, such as a foul odor or skin discoloration. Several supporting examinations can also be carried out, for example:
- Blood tests to check for infection.
- Fluid or tissue culture, in which fluid or tissue from the area is taken and observed for bacterial growth under certain conditions.
- Imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to see if there is any spread of gangrene, as well as to see if there are any disturbances in the blood vessels.
Gangrene is a condition that can cause complications. Sometimes treatment can be done before there are results from supporting examinations, which takes a long time.
Treatment
Treatment for gangrene includes removing the affected tissue, preventing infection or treating existing infections, and preventing the spread of gangrene. For example, if gangrene is caused by restricted blood flow, surgery may be performed to repair the affected vessel. If gangrene is caused by an infection, antibiotics and surgery may be performed.
The surgical procedure performed is to remove dead tissue. This process, known as debridement, aims to prevent the spread of gangrene.
In cases of advanced severity, doctors may consider amputation to prevent gangrene from spreading to other parts of the body. For example, when certain parts of the body, such as fingers, toes, or legs, all have gangrene and debridement cannot be done,
Gangrene caused by infection can be treated with antibiotic treatment, which is given according to the doctor’s instructions. In addition, in certain cases, surgery may be performed to restore blood flow to the gangrene-affected tissue.
Prevention
Gangrene is a preventable condition. As an example of prevention cases in patients who have health conditions with a higher risk of gangrene, for example diabetes, routine examinations can be carried out to assess the condition of the feet. This includes periodically checking for injuries, numbness, etc.
Gangrene can also be prevented by avoiding smoking and living a healthy lifestyle with a low-fat diet, as well as exercising regularly. This series of actions can help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of developing plaque in blood vessels, which can block blood flow and cause gangrene.