Burns A burn is a thermal (heat) or non-thermal (electrical/chemical) injury to the body, causing acute inflammation and tissue destruction.

Burns may be caused by direct contact with a heat source such as flames or hot water (a scald), or by chemicals, radiation, or electric shock. Any burn injury causes an acute inflammatory response and release of chemical mediators, resulting in a major fluid shift, edema and decreased blood volume. Effects of burn injury Shock Where the burn area is large, the inflammatory response results in a massive shift of water, protein and electrolytes into the tissues, causing fluid excess or edema Loss of water and protein from the blood leads to decreased circulating blood volume, low blood pressure and hypovolemic shock, as well as an increased hematocrit due to hemoconcentration

Respiratory problems An immediate concern in the case of a burn patient is the inhalation of toxic or irritating fumes. These gases are particularly dangerous when an individual has been trapped in an enclosed space, such as a room or an automobile High levels of oxygen are administered and the patient observed for signs of respiratory impairment Ventilation may be limited by eschar or because of pain Pneumonia, a lung infection, is a threat because of inflammation in the respiratory tract and immobility

Pain

Burns are very painful injuries throughout the treatment process until healing is complete Analgesics (pain killers) are required

Infection Infection is a major concern in patients with burns

Infection of burn injuries increases tissue loss in the area, often converting a partial-thickness burn to a full-thickness burn Since microbes are normally present deep in glands and hair follicles, there is a ready made source of infection in the injured area Also, ooportunistic bacteria and fungi are waiting to invade open areas when defensive barriers (skin) and blood flow are reduced Antimicrobial drugs are usually administered only after specific microorganisms from the wound have been cultured and identified Treatment involves rapid excision or removal of the damaged and infected tissue, application of antimicrobial drugs and replacement with skin grafts and a substitute covering