Lastly, gas gangrene is a kind of wet or moist gangrene caused by bacteria that grow and occur only in the absence of oxygen. This certain bacterium is called clostridia which develops or grows to produce poisonous toxins and gas, hence the name gas gangrene. One of the symptoms of gas gangrene is that it releases a brown-red or bloody discharge from the affected body part or tissue. Other symptoms include the following: the affected area becomes swollen; gas produced by clostridia may create a crackling sensation when the affected area is pressed; and severe, painful feeling on the wound.
The person afflicted with gas gangrene may have fever, and his or her heart rate may increase, causing the patient to breath rapidly as the toxins spread into his or her bloodstream. In this type of gangrene, the treatment should be aggressive and should be done right away because of the threat that the infection will spread rapidly through the bloodstream and may damage the person’s vital organs. The wound needs to be treated immediately in this case. In addition, antibiotic is administered to the affected individual just like in the other two types of gangrene mentioned above (MediResource).
These three types of gangrenes are all serious. It can result in amputation of the affected parts and may lead to a person’s death in worst or severe cases if left untreated. However, there are many ways on how a person can prevent him-or herself from suffering from gangrene. A person with gangrene may benefit from tips such as keeping the wound always clean by cleaning it carefully with an antiseptic solution. A person inflicted with gangrene should also watch and be aware of the wound or any signs of infections such as puss, redness, swelling, or unusual pain should be given medical attention and treatment right away.
For those people who have diabetes, they should learn how to control their blood-sugar levels through proper medication and attention. They should also apply proper foot care most especially if they are diabetic. They should routinely examine their feet to see if there is any kind of wound or signs of injury or skin discoloration. Whether it is a small injury or a huge one, it is necessary to treat that wound and be given special attention to prevent or avoid gangrene (MediResource).
Works Cited
Greenfield, Ronald A. and Shehnaz Shaikh. “Gangrene”. eMedicinehealth. 21 October 2008 <http://www. emedicinehealth. com/gangrene/article_em. htm# Gangrene%20Overview> MediResource. “Gangrene”. CHealth. 21 October 2008 <http://chealth. canoe. ca/channel_condition_info_details. asp? disease_id=160&channel_id=143&relation_id=1711&rot=4> . “What is Gangrene, How is gangrene caused and what can be one?. ” Associated Content. 16 November 2006. 21 October 2008 <http://www. associatedcontent. com/article/118546/gangrene_the_three_types_of_this _serious. html? page=2&cat=70>