GASEOUS GANGRENE Meaning and
Definition
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Gaseous gangrene is a medical condition characterized by the rapid and extensive death of body tissue due to bacterial infection, primarily caused by Clostridium species. This condition is categorized as an anaerobic infection, as it occurs in the absence of oxygen. It is often associated with trauma or wounds, such as those resulting from accidents, surgical procedures, or puncture wounds. Gaseous gangrene is considered a medical emergency due to its potentially life-threatening nature.
The condition gets its name from the characteristic signs and symptoms it presents, namely the production of gas within the affected tissue. This gas is primarily composed of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, and it causes the affected area to swell, become discolored, and develop a foul odor. In addition to gas production, gaseous gangrene is also characterized by severe pain, tissue necrosis, and a rapidly spreading infection.
If left untreated, gaseous gangrene can lead to systemic toxicity and sepsis, which can be fatal. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgical intervention, such as debridement (removal of dead tissue), and the administration of antibiotics. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also be used to increase tissue oxygenation and inhibit bacterial growth.
Prevention of gaseous gangrene involves maintaining good wound hygiene, proper wound care, and prompt medical attention to any injuries or wounds that may be at risk of infection.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GASEOUS GANGRENE
- faseous gangrene
- vaseous gangrene
- baseous gangrene
- haseous gangrene
- yaseous gangrene
- taseous gangrene
- gzseous gangrene
- gsseous gangrene
- gwseous gangrene
- gqseous gangrene
- gaaeous gangrene
- gazeous gangrene
- gaxeous gangrene
- gadeous gangrene
- gaeeous gangrene
- gaweous gangrene
- gaswous gangrene
- gassous gangrene
- gasdous gangrene
- gasrous gangrene
Etymology of GASEOUS GANGRENE
The term "gaseous gangrene" has its roots in the combination of two words: "gaseous" and "gangrene".
1. Gaseous: The word "gaseous" is derived from the Latin word "gaseus", which means "pertaining to gas" or "of gases". It ultimately traces back to the Greek word "khaos", meaning "void" or "empty space". In the medical context, "gaseous" refers to something that contains, produces, or is related to gas.
2. Gangrene: The word "gangrene" comes from the Latin term "gangraena" or "gangrēna", which can be traced back to the Greek word "grangrainē" meaning "eating sore" or "gnewing sore".
