What is a gas fire?
A gas gangrene is a bacterial infection of the soft tissue which is life-threatening. In the majority of cases, the pathogen is called Clostridium perfringens, which is why the disease is also known as Clostridial myonecrosis. The particular feature of this form of infection is that the bacteria quickly drive the affected tissue to death.
The bacteria also produce gases so that a special crackling sound can be heard when the wound is palpated. This also explains the name “gas fire”. The infection can spread very quickly and then pass toxins, i.e. poisons from the bacteria, into the bloodstream. Then, within a short time, vital organs are endangered.
Causes of the gas fire
The gas gangrene is usually caused by the bacterium Clostridium Perfringens and is found in wounds into which the pathogen has entered. For example in deep bruises, stab wounds or war injuries, infection with the germ can occur. Especially wounds that are poorly ventilated and have poor blood circulation are affected.
As a result, diseases such as arteriosclerosis or diabetes mellitus, which can reduce the blood flow in the body, become risk factors. The germ itself can be found in many different places, such as the soil or the human intestine. For example, a wound can be infected from the outside by the contamination, or it can travel from the intestinal tract of the person itself to other parts of the body. The latter is only the case, however, when a person’s immune system is weakened by other diseases. The bacterium can produce various toxins, i.e. poisonous substances, which can then cause life-threatening damage to other organs via the bloodstream.
Diagnosis
Above all, it is important that the diagnosis of the gas fire is made very quickly. In just a few hours, the patient can find himself in a life-threatening situation. Particularly conspicuous and characteristic for the infection with the gas fire is the extremely rapid spread, the strong swelling of the surrounding tissue and the crackling of the skin when the wound is palpated. A smear of the wound can be taken under the microscope to see if the type of bacteria can be identified. In addition, an x-ray examination of the affected part of the body can reveal the formation of gas.