Gangrene

Underlying medical conditions that affect blood circulation can lead to gangrene if left uncontrolled. There are several conditions that affect the blood vessels that increase the risk, such as:

Diabetes: It is necessary to maintain healthy blood sugar levels without too much insulin. Insulin causes inflammation in the body. (Dia Drops help in controlling blood sugar). Diabetic patients should examine their hands and feet daily for cuts, wounds, sores etc.

Obesity: Excess body weight can put undue stress on the arteries. This can restrict blood flow increasing the risk of developing an infection and later gangrene.

Arterial diseases: Hardened and narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis) and blood clots also can block blood flow to the extremities like the fingers, toes, palms and feet.

Chemotherapy: Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy are immune-compromised and their body’s ability to fight off an infection is impaired.

HIV: Those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ….

Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases cause blood impurity. The weakened immune system is susceptible to infections and …

Trauma or injury: Wounds that are traumatic, such as gunshot wounds or severe injuries from vehicle accidents, can cause bacteria to invade tissues deep within the body. When the infection is not treated, gangrene may occur.

Extreme weather: Exposure to frigid climes often causes the extremities like the toes and fingers to get frostbitten. Frostbite, if not treated promptly, can lead to gangrene.

Smoking: Long-term use of tobacco weakens blood vessels and can make one more susceptible to developing gangrene.

Types of gangrene

There are several different types of gangrene, and each condition has its own cause.

Dry gangrene: This type of gangrene occurs when blood flow is blocked to a particular area of the body. The skin may turn green, purple or black, and dry and wrinkled due to the lack of oxygen. Slowly tissues deteriorate and die causing dry gangrene.

Wet gangrene: This type is characterised with blisters and swelling. Wet gangrene comes from frostbite or severe burns. People with diabetes may develop wet gangrene after suffering a minor toe or foot injury.

Gas gangrene: This rare type usually occurs from an infection develops deep inside the body. Gas gangrene can appear at an area of trauma or recent surgery. The gas may cause the skin to have a “bubbly” appearance. Gas gangrene is an especially serious condition, as it can develop suddenly and without warning.

Internal gangrene: Internal gangrene can develop when blood flow to an internal organ is blocked or compromised severely. This usually affects the intestines, gallbladder, and appendix. Severe pain and fever is often observed in such cases.

Fournier’s gangrene: This form of gangrene is restricted to the genital organs. It’s caused by an infection in the urinary tract or the genitalia. Pain, swelling, discolouration and bad smell in the general area are the most common symptoms.

Progressive bacterial synergistic gangrene: This rare type of gangrene can develop after a surgery or operation. Skin lesions can develop around the affected area one to two weeks after the surgery.

High blood sugar levels damage nerves leading to a loss of sensation in the affected area. The numbness either leads to injuries or failure to notice the wounds and lesions.

Prolonged high blood sugar levels affect blood vessels and limit blood flow to extremities like the feet. The health and infection-fighting capability of the limb becomes severely compromised. In such a condition, wounds easily get infected and may not heal.

The chances for recovery are better if gangrene is identified early and treated quickly. Sometimes, the amount of tissue death is so extensive that a body part, such as the foot, may need to be amputated.

Gangrene can lead to scarring or the need for reconstructive surgery. Bacterial infection in the dead tissues can spread quickly to other organs and may turn fatal if left untreated.

At Punarjani’s, the treatment for gangrene is multi-pronged. The underlying cause is treated along with the affected body part. The patient’s liver is detoxified and general inflammation is brought under control. Empahsis is laid on bringing diabetes (prameha) and blood sugar levels under control.

Punarjani’s gangrene-related amputation avoidance programme is one of the best in the world. The treatment protocol addresses many of the underlying causes as well.

Treatment for diabetic-induced gangrene:

• Control diabetes
• Bring the body out of inflammation
• Detoxify the liver
• Improve blood flow to the affected area
• Heal wounds
• Prevent the infection from spreading.

Punarjani’s gangrene treatment is highly effective for patients suffering from unhealed wounds (wet gangrene) following an amputation.