Gangrene »
What is gangrene?
Gangrene is a term that describes dead or dying body tissue(s) that occur
because the local blood supply to the tissue is either lost or is inadequate to
keep the tissue alive. Gangrene has been recognized as a localized area of
tissue death since ancient times. The Greeks used the term gangraina to describe putrefaction (death) of tissue. Although many laypeople associate the term gangrene with a bacterial infection, the medical use of the term includes any cause that compromises the blood supply that results in tissue death. Consequently, a person can be diagnosed with gangrene but does not have to be "infected."
There are two major types of gangrene referred to as dry and wet. Many cases of dry gangrene are not infected. All cases of wet gangrene are considered to be infected, almost always by bacteria. The most common sites for both wet and dry gangrene to occur are the digits (fingers and toes) and other extremities (ha...
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I have been having swallowing problems for about one year. One day, I ate some Swedish meatballs with noodles, and the meatball was jammed in my throat. No one knew what to do because the food was not blocking my airway. I was frustrated because nothing not even water would budge the meatball. About three hours later, it went down on its own. Fortunately, I was already scheduled for an endoscopy procedure a few days later. The doctor found the Schatzki's Ring and biopsied the area. On a follow-up visit, he told me I have esinophilic esophagitis. I was started on Flovent. It made things better but did not prevent the swelling. I began to have chest pain. I thought I was having a heart attack. It turns out that my EE was causing the chest pain. This amazed me. I have found that I cannot eat anything white like bread, rice, pasta (white and wheat), potatoes or things like potato bread (my favorite). I have to carry an Epi Pen and Benadryl with me at all times. I am scheduled to see a dietician in a few days. I don't know how to cook without the above listed items. I can eat corn products. So for Thanksgiving, I made cornbread stuffing. I find that I can eat meats if I don't eat the items listed above. I can't eat biscuits. I am a southern gal, and I think this is a sign of the end of time!
Related Reading: endoscopy | Schatzki's Ring | esophagitis