What are the symptoms and signs of gas gangrene?
The incubation period is usually short almost always less than three days and often less than 24 hours. Typically, gas gangrene begins with the sudden appearance of pain in the region of the wound. Once established, the pain steadily increases in severity, but remains confined to the infected area. It spreads only if the infection spreads. Soon after the pain develops, local swelling and oedema (excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues) starts. This is accompanied by a thin, often bloody, fluid discharge. The patient often develops a very fast heartbeat (tachycardia). There may be very little elevation in temperature. Gas is usually not obvious at this stage and may not appear at all. The fluid leaking from the wound is often frothy. The skin is taut, white, often marbled with blue and cooler than normal. The symptoms progress rapidly. Swelling, oedema and blood poisoning (toxaemia) increase. A profuse fluid discharge appears, which may have a sweetish smell.
