Necrotizing Fasciitis Research Paper
Necrotizing fasciitis is a disease of the integumentary system that literally means “decaying infection of the fascia.” Also known as the flesh-eating bacteria, NF is very rare but very fast and deadly as well. It begins in existing infections; bacteria establishes itself inside an infection caused by injury, surgical complications, cuts, etc. and begins to attack the tissue. Specifically, the bacteria kills subcutaneous tissue and fascia, causing necrosis. The reason that necrotizing fasciitis is so deadly is because of the technique the bacteria uses once it enters the wound. It first uses toxins to inhibit the body’s immune system so that it cannot be fought off. It then begins to kill the tissue and spread very rapidly across the skin. Death will occur soon if NF is not
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The pain ends, however, as the cells around the wound die, and the patient cannot feel pain in that area anymore. The signs of NF are shown when a wound is red, swollen, blistered, and not healing. There may also be skin alcerations and fluid draining in the wound. Eventually, the vital organs will shut down, and the body will go into toxic shock. Early diagnosis is necessary for survival with necrotizing fasciitis. However, misdiagnosis is common because of how rare it is. In order to diagnose NF, laboratory tests must be performed on the patient. If the patient’s white blood cell count is greater than 15,400 cells/mm3 or if his or her sodium level is lower than 135 mmol/L, it is likely that he or she has NF. The patient may also have toxic shock syndrome. This is another way to tell if one is infected with necrotizing fasciitis. X-rays, CT Scans, and MRIs are all tests used to diagnose NF as well. X-rays, although not usually used, can be performed on a patient to see if there is air trapped under his or her skin (this is a common sign of NF). CT Scans are the most common and efficient way to diagnose NF; they are performed to
The pain ends, however, as the cells around the wound die, and the patient cannot feel pain in that area anymore. The signs of NF are shown when a wound is red, swollen, blistered, and not healing. There may also be skin alcerations and fluid draining in the wound. Eventually, the vital organs will shut down, and the body will go into toxic shock. Early diagnosis is necessary for survival with necrotizing fasciitis. However, misdiagnosis is common because of how rare it is. In order to diagnose NF, laboratory tests must be performed on the patient. If the patient’s white blood cell count is greater than 15,400 cells/mm3 or if his or her sodium level is lower than 135 mmol/L, it is likely that he or she has NF. The patient may also have toxic shock syndrome. This is another way to tell if one is infected with necrotizing fasciitis. X-rays, CT Scans, and MRIs are all tests used to diagnose NF as well. X-rays, although not usually used, can be performed on a patient to see if there is air trapped under his or her skin (this is a common sign of NF). CT Scans are the most common and efficient way to diagnose NF; they are performed to