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Necrotizing Fasciitis – The Flesh-Eating Bacteria

There are many bacterial strains that cause fever, called necrotizing fasciitis, but most cases are caused by bacteria called group A streptococci or streptococcus pyogenes. The most common group A streptococcal infection is not only given a sore throat, but also a skin infection called impetigo. Streptococcal pneumonia or necrotizing fasciitis infections are considered rare. Necrotizing fasciitis is a treatable disease. Few rare bacterial strains can cause necrotizing fasciitis, but the infection progresses quickly. The sooner medical help is provided, the greater the chance of survival. Bacteria cause extensive tissue damage by destroying the tissues under the skin and the muscles and organs around the body; necrotizing fasciitis is common and can be fatal.

Historically, several people have described this rapid development between the 1840s and the 1870s. However, Wilson first named this condition "necrotizing fasciitis" in 1952. This disease may have existed for centuries before it was first described in the 19th century. The term "necrosis" is often used in front of body parts to describe the original location of necrotizing fasciitis (such as necrotizing colitis, necrotizing arthritis), but they all refer to the same disease process in the tissue. The fact of fasciitis is that, regardless of the infectious organism, once the infection reaches the connective tissue (the plane of the fascia) grows in it, it spreads rapidly (researchers believe that certain organisms can progress at a higher speed per hour). Inches of tissue, even with the help of antibacterial drugs and surgery, the infection is difficult to stop. Fortunately, this situation is relatively rare; various statistical sources estimate that 500 to 1,500 people in the United States suffer from this disease each year. Statistics show that the mortality (mortality) of necrotizing fasciitis associated with Fournier's gangrene (scrotum) reaches 75%. While the mortality of patients with infections in other parts of the body (such as legs or arms) is about 25%. Patients with necrotizing fasciitis often require urgent medical care, and if they are not treated promptly and effectively, they often lead to death or disability.

Causes of Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis occurs when bacteria enter open wounds (cuts, ulcers, injection/surgical sites, burns, insect bites, etc.) and cause infection. The disease can be caused by a variety of bacteria, but the most common is group A streptococcal infection, which can also cause pharyngitis. Because these bacteria are very common, it is important to take good care of all wounds. The bacteria first infect the skin and the soft tissues under the skin, causing necrosis or death. Infections can spread extremely quickly, kill nerves and muscles, and cause organ failure.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear suddenly after an injury. If your pain disappears within 24 to 36 hours and then suddenly worsens, you may need to seek immediate medical attention. Due to the size of the wound, the pain may be much worse than you expect. You may also have:

· Redness, puffiness, and hot skin.

· Fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Infection can spread quickly. This will soon be life-threatening. You may go into shock and damage your skin, fat, and muscle tissue (this damage is called gangrene). Necrotizing fasciitis can cause organ failure and death.

Treatment

The first step in treating bacterial lung disease is to give the patient antibiotics. The doctor may prescribe intravenous antibiotics at the same time as the test to confirm the diagnosis. Then it usually requires surgery to remove all dead tissue. It may only take four to five days to progress to a critical point, and amputation or organ removal may be required to completely eradicate infection and bacteria and save the patient's life.

Prevention

There is no foolproof way to prevent this disease, but you can minimize the risk by maintaining good hygiene: wash your hands frequently and/or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Don't delay treatment. When the wound is open, avoid staying in hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, or other bodies of water for a period of time. Although very rare, necrotizing fasciitis is a serious infection that can be fatal quickly. Watch for possible injuries, and watch for signs of infection to minimize your risk.