A member asked:

Which type of infection follows an untreated gunshot wound?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Michael Miller answered

Specializes in Wound care

Think toilet !: If you understand that a shell is not a clean item and add the contents of the barrel and what it has traveled through and you basically have injected a dirty toilet into the tissues. These are very tricky wounds as the energy in the shot also causes damage that takes a while to show itself (days). Better to be seen by a doctor rather than risk a horrific infection and loss of function.

Answered 4/28/2013

5.2k views

Thank

Velocity? Organs?: As dr. Miller points out the bullet or gun may not be clean and the presence of bacteria may depend on the velocity and energy of the bullet. However penetrating injuries to the bowel can cause devastating fecal soilage of wounds with fatal consequences. Other concerns include tetanus status. Your risk of infection is also related to your overall health and vulnerability and immune state.

Answered 1/5/2019

5.2k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

How do I take care of a small wound infection?

6 doctors weighed in across 4 answers