Update: Hyperbaric Oxygen for Gas Gangrene

Today we have updated and upgraded our Gas Gangrene (Myositis or Myonecrosis) page. Gas gangrene is a severe and rapidly spreading infection of muscle and other soft tissue. The bacteria that cause gas gangrene, most commonly Clostridium perfringens, produce liquid and gaseous toxins that surround the microorganisms and undermine the body's natural immune response. The advancing infection can threaten life and limb in mere hours.

Hyperbaric oxygen plays a central role in standard treatment. From our new page:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, combined with antibiotics and surgical removal of dead tissue, is an effective treatment for gas gangrene. Clostridia are anaerobic, meaning they thrive in low-oxygen environments. HBOT stops toxin production and inhibits bacteria from replicating and spreading. Hyperbaric oxygen may also boost the effect of antibiotics, enhance the body’s natural defenses against bacteria, and help resolve or delay the onset of sepsis, a deadly blood poisoning.

Clostridium perfringens are everywhere around us. For the most part we safely share our planet with these and other potentially harmful microbes. Salt rising bread rises by natural fermentation of the very same bacterium, found in potatoes, flour, or cornmeal. Watch our expert bakers concoct the starter mix. Just add hot water and let set and bubble overnight. Fascinating and (apparently) delicious. And we may never again share a recipe with our readers.

[Photo: C. perfringens bacteria, Visuals Unlimited]