Frequency
Fortunately, the frequency of gas fires is not very high. In Germany about 100 cases are reported per year. In the USA in comparison about 1000 cases.
However, the mortality rate is 50%. A much more frequent occurrence of the infection with the gas fire pathogen was, however, recorded during the First World War. According to estimates, far more than 100,000 German soldiers are said to have died from the infection.
I recognize a gas fire by these symptoms
The gas fire is primarily recognized first by the characteristic clinical symptoms and then the diagnosis can be confirmed by laboratory tests and X-rays. Very characteristic for the infection is the gas formation, which is caused by the bacterium. The affected wound hurts very much and can emit a foul odor.
The soft tissue around the wound can develop edema, i.e. a strong swelling with water deposits in the tissue. The skin is often discolored blue-violet. These are all symptoms that affect the affected wound and surrounding tissue.
If the bacterium then releases a toxin, i.e. a substance that is toxic to humans, symptoms can also occur that affect the whole body or other regions. If the toxin reaches the brain or kidneys, for example, life-threatening changes in the body’s circulation can occur. Among other things, this can become noticeable by shock signs, i.e. a drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate.
Therapy
Ideally, the gas fire is diagnosed quickly on the basis of the typical clinical signs so that therapy can be started as early as possible. However, since every minute counts, in many cases treatment must be carried out on suspicion. Surgical therapy is considered a priority.
For this purpose, the infected, dead tissue is surgically removed. Extensive cleansing is also necessary. In some cases, an amputation of the body part must also be performed.
In this way, the aim is to prevent the germ from spreading further. At the same time an antibiotic therapy must be administered.In many cases there are also infections with other bacteria, so that several different antibiotics are given. The circulation is supported by monitoring the patient in the intensive care unit with sufficient fluid intake. Unfortunately, despite the therapy, every second person dies from the infection. The dangerous aspect of gas fires is that the infection spreads rapidly and can lead to death between a few hours and days.