In order to minimise the physical and psychological impact of this shocking condition, necrotising fasciitis must be diagnosed as early as possible.
Necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is a terrifyingly fast-moving illness. Destroying all tissue in its path, the infection can spread at a rate of 2 – 3 cms per hour. If treatment is not initiated as a matter of emergency, the patient faces disability and, possibly, death.
Both the infection and its treatment can cause injury to the patient.
Once the destructive bacteria underlying the illness have entered the body, toxins bring about the death of all infected tissue. This can threaten the body’s life-support systems, undermining the major organs and causing multiple organ failure.
Treating the illness
The only definitive way to prevent the further spread of this horrific illness is to surgically remove all infected tissue. The longer treatment is delayed, the more extensive such debridement will need to be. The impact on the patient can be shockingly extensive, to the point that some patients require amputation of a limb to halt the infection.
Even those patients who escape such a drastic procedure, will be left with wounds to the body where tissue has been removed, requiring further surgery to try to repair the damage.
Impact of necrotising fasciitis
Depending on the extent and location of the infection, survivors of this appalling illness can be left with mobility problems as well as bowel and/or bladder difficulties and on-going pain. The shock of the illness and its effects can also cause significant psychological damage.
Early diagnosis is, therefore, of paramount importance. A failure to recognise or act on early possible symptoms of necrotising fasciitis can be regarded as medically negligent and the victim may be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation for their poor care.
Early Symptoms
The patient is likely to present with extreme localised pain alongside swelling and redness of the skin. A fast heartbeat and high temperature should also indicate that there is something seriously wrong.
Whilst necrotising fasciitis can be confused with other conditions, the threat posed to life by this awful infection should merit immediate investigation where there is any suspicion that the patient may be developing it.
Medical Negligence
If you or a loved one have suffered the appalling effects of necrotising fasciitis due to a failure to recognise or act on symptoms, you may wish to consider making a claim for compensation.
Here at Glynns Solicitors, we have handled numerous necrotising fasciitis claims and would be very happy to discuss your situation with you.
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