Gangrene & Gallbladder Symptoms

Gangrene is the death of body tissue caused by a lack of blood supply. According to the Mayo Clinic, gangrene most commonly affects the fingers and toes but can also affect muscles and internal organs including the gallbladder. People with poor circulation and who are diabetic are at an increased risk for developing gangrene, which is treatable by antibiotics and surgery.

Diagnosis

• A medical doctor can diagnose gangrene in the gallbladder by blood tests to look for infection, imaging techniques such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT).

Bloating

• Gangrene in an internal organ such as the gallbladder can cause abdominal bloating, tenderness and cramps.

Pain

• Gangrene in the gallbladder may cause severe pain in the lower abdomen that results from the blocked blood supply to the organ.

Fever

• Internal gangrene can cause fever especially if an infection develops in the diseased organ and spreads into the blood.

Shock

• If bacteria from gangrene spreads through the body, symptoms including very low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, and trouble breathing may indicate systemic shock.

Prevention/Solution

• Protecting your extremities from cold weather, cleaning wounds -- especially those on the feet -- and paying special attention to foot care if you are diabetic may prevent the development of gangrene.

Warning

• Gangrene may result in the need to remove organs or amputate limbs, and, according to the Mayo Clinic, if not treated, gangrene can be life-threatening.