Burns Is a Common Cause of Death in U.S.

Introduction

There are many causes of accidental death in the United States, one of the most commonly seen are burn injuries. Burn injuries can effect a victim both internally (lungs) and externally (skin), they are so serious that many major hospitals have a burn unit area solely for the treatment of burn victims. In this research paper we will discuss the important issues dealing with the injuries of a burn victim such as the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, complications and treatment.

Definition

Most individual have felt a burn, even a slight one at least once in their life, but do you really know what it is or how it might affect your body? A burn is a primarily thermal injury that causes trauma to the skin affecting the epidermis, dermis or both layers of the skin. A burn is classified in nature by the degree or severity of the burn, first degree being the mildest and third degree being the most severe. A burn injury may also be defined as an injury or malaise that has been brought about due to a fire for example, smoke inhalation. Smoke inhalation causes more death in victims that were in a house fire then actual burns. Smoke inhalation is defined as the inhalation of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide.

Etiology

Burn injuries may originate in many different environments and by several different causes. The most common type of burn is a thermal or heat exposure burn. The magnitude of the burn has to do directly with the amount of time that the skin was in contact with the heat and the temperature of the heat. Usually thermal burns are cause by flames, hot liquid, steam or a hot object, depending on the severity of the burn, treatments may vary. Burns may also be caused by frostbite, chemical bur...

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...y parts should be elevated above the heart, a tetanus shot is given and the wounds are covered in cool moist bandages to prevent the development of infection. Patients with severe burns are more susceptible to infections so many doctors prescribe a broad stream antibiotic to avoid dealing with further complications. (Web MD, 2009). Minor burns are usually treated with a cool compression and a sterile bandage, avoid keeping the burn moist as it may take longer to heal, minor burns usually clear up on their own.

Conclusion

A burn injury can be a life threatening trauma, whether it be smoke inhalation or actual burn both can severely depress your respiratory system. There no 100% guarantee that you will never be a burn injury victim but being smart and knowing prevention techniques such as a smoke alarm and having an escape route are essential in the use of prevention.