Question 1

what is gangrene?

Accepted Answer

Tissue death: Gangrene  is the death of tissue due to lack of blood supply.  There are a number of different causes for this lack of blood supply such as embolus to an artery,  atherosclerotic occlusion of an arterty, trauma to an artery or bacterial/toxic  damage to the arterioles and tissues.

Question 2

what causes gangrene?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria: Gangrene comes from an infection which invades quickly into tissue from a break in the skin or other body defenses. Not all bacteria can do this, but certain soil and gut bacteria can. Certain Strep can also behave aggressively. People with impaired immunity are more susceptible.

Question 3

what is color of gangrene?

Accepted Answer

Darkening of skin: May be black.  Gangrene is death of tissue.  It may begin with discoloration of various hues, progress to black.  If you are concerned see a doctor asap.

Question 4

how could gangrene spread?

Accepted Answer

Locally: Gangrene spreads locally, peripherally extending out from a central location.

Question 5

why do people get gangrene?

Accepted Answer

Several reasons: Gangrene is tissue death. Generally the cause is due to poor or disrupted blood supply due to cardiovascular disease (hardening of the arteries) or infection. Blood clots are also a cause. Gangrene can also be caused by external sources such as severe burns, both chemical and thermal (heat and cold (frostbite)). Certain conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, high cholesterol will increase risk.

Question 6

does gangrene cause an odor?

Accepted Answer

It can: Gangrene means there is non viable tissue present.   The odor usually comes from infection.  The mere presence of non viable tissue does not immediately result in infection but over time, the possibility of infection increases and may result in an odor.  If you are concerned whether there is non viable tissue present, do not wait for an odor, seek medical attention.

Question 7

what is a cause for gangrene?

Accepted Answer

Dead tissue: Ischemic or dead tissue that is not getting enough blood supply for oxygen & nutrition to the site, maybe from combination of poor blood supply and infection., can result in gangene of tissue.

Question 8

what are the tests for gangrene?

Accepted Answer

None: Gangrene is a problem of circulation and infection.

Question 9

do nondiabetics get gangrene now?

Accepted Answer

Many causes: Gangrene is simply tissue death due to a lack of blood supply to that area. This can be caused by injury, illness, infection, peripheral artery disease and diabetes, among other things. Basically anything that causes blood flow to be hindered can cause it along with not taking care of yourself. It is not a diabetes exclusive illness.

Question 10

why do people still get gangrene?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes and Smoking: The two most common causes of peripheral arterial disease.  Even in 2013, there is untreatable vascular disease, either due to limitations of medicine or patient non compliance.  Don't smoke, stay active and healthy, and barring any congenital disease, the chance of developing gangrene is very low.

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What is gangrene?

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