Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Practice Exam

Gas gangrene is a bacterial infection in which gas forms within the tissues. It’s classically caused by anaerobic, spore-forming bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens. In dead or poorly perfused tissue, these bacteria multiply and ferment sugars, releasing gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide as byproducts. That gas gets trapped in tissue planes, leading to crepitus and a rapidly spreading, necrotizing infection. This condition is not driven by viruses, fungi, or parasites, which don’t produce gas in tissues in this setting. Clinically, you see severe pain, swelling, fever, and signs of rapid tissue destruction; management requires urgent surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics with toxins-inhibiting activity, and supportive care, with hyperbaric oxygen therapy added in some cases.