Signs and Symptoms

 

 

Gangrene refers to the decay and death of tissue resulting from an interruption of the blood flow to the affected area. Gangrene most commonly affects the extremities, including fingers and toes, but can also occur in muscles and internal organs. Some types of gangrene also involve bacterial infection.

 

There are two major types of gangrene:-

 

(a) Dry gangrene: – Dry gangrene is caused by a reduction of blood flow through the arteries. In this type of gangrene the tissue becomes cold, black and begins to dry. If untreated it eventually sloughs off. The progress of dry gangrene is usually slow and does not involve infection.

 

(b) Wet or moist gangrene: - Wet and moist gangrene develops as a complication from an untreated infection. Swelling from the infection causes a constriction in the flow of blood which in turn promotes the spread of the infection because the disease fighting white blood cells cannot reach the affected area.

 

Gas gangrene is a type of wet gangrene caused by the bacteria known as clostridia. Clostridia only grow in the absence of oxygen. As clostridia multiply they produce poisonous toxins and gas. It is from the production of this gas that it has developed the name gas gangrene.