Gangrene

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Ischaemic gangrene)

Gangrene is a medical condition characterized by the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood supply. It can be caused by injury, infection, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Gangrene can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly occurs in the extremities, such as fingers, toes, hands, and feet.

Gangrene Foot

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of gangrene include:

  • Discoloration of the affected area (black, blue, green, or red)
  • Pain in the affected area
  • Foul-smelling discharge from the affected area
  • Numbness or loss of sensation
  • Coldness in the affected area
  • In severe cases, tissue death

Causes[edit | edit source]

Gangrene occurs when the blood supply to a certain area of the body is interrupted or severely reduced. This can result from:

  • Injuries, such as burns, frostbite, or crushing injuries
  • Infections, especially those caused by bacteria, which can damage blood vessels and limit blood flow
  • Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, which can lead to poor circulation and increased risk of infection

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosing gangrene typically involves a physical examination, during which a healthcare professional will look for the characteristic signs and symptoms. Additional diagnostic tests may include:

  • Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to assess the extent of tissue damage and identify any underlying causes
  • Blood tests to check for infection or other contributing factors
  • Tissue samples to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection, if applicable

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for gangrene depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

  • Antibiotics to treat any bacterial infections
  • Surgical debridement, which involves removing dead or infected tissue to promote healing
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and promote healing
  • Amputation, in severe cases where the gangrene has spread and cannot be controlled through other means
  • Addressing any underlying conditions, such as managing diabetes or treating peripheral artery disease, to reduce the risk of future episodes of gangrene.
Gangrene Resources
Wikipedia



WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD