Necrotising fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection. The chances of you contracting the infection are very low, particularly if you have a healthy immune system.
Necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is a bacterial infection usually caused by the Strep A bacteria. This type of bacteria is actually very common and causes a sore throat (Strept throat) that people will experience many times during the course of their lives.
However, if this bacterium gets into the body’s deep tissues, much more serious consequences will arise. This is because once inside the deep tissue, the bacteria will start to multiply, releasing a chemical into the body. This damages the tissue, causing it to break down and die. This process is known medically as tissue necrosis.
Tissue necrosis is very dangerous as the tissue cannot be repaired. Therefore if a large area of tissue becomes necrotic, it will all have to be removed, resulting in a horrific defect. Depending upon the site of infection, tissue necrosis can lead to organ damage, limb amputation or sexual dysfunction.
The bacteria may also infect the blood, a condition called sepsis. This in itself is a life-threatening illness as it can result in multi-organ failure.
How rare is necrotising fasciitis?
The statistics regarding necrotising fasciitis cases are varied and are not entirely accurate. An American report conducted in 1996 suggests there are 500 to 1,500 cases of necrotising fasciitis per year. This is supported by Public Health England which predicts there are 500 cases each year.
Therefore necrotising fasciitis is not a common condition, despite the fact that the Strep A bacteria is a common type of bacteria. It is so rare that many medical practitioners will not encounter it during the course of their professional careers.
Failure to diagnose
Despite this, medical practitioners should be able to use their knowledge and expertise to work towards a quick diagnosis. This is essential in necrotising fasciitis cases as the condition must be treated immediately if life-threatening complications are to be avoided.
Doctors should recognise the signs of a severe infection and take steps to confirm a diagnosis. This should be done without hesitation. Once confirmed, a patient should undergo emergency debridement surgery. Only with this level of care will potentially fatal consequences be prevented.
If medical practitioners fail to provide this standard of care, causing a patient to suffer injury, there may be grounds for a medical negligence claim. Contact us to find out more.
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