Causes and Symptoms of Burns
- Thermal - including flame, radiation, or excessive heat from fire, steam, and hot liquids and hot objects.
- Radiation - such as from nuclear sources. Ultraviolet light is also a source of radiation burns.
- Light - burns caused by intense light sources or ultraviolet light, which includes sunlight.
- Electrical - including electrical current and lightning.
Symptoms of Burns
Besides skin, burn injuries can affect muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. The respiratory system can be damaged, with possible airway obstruction, respiratory failure and respiratory arrest. Burns impair the body's normal fluid/electrolyte (water & salt) balance, body temperature, body thermal regulation, joint function, manual dexterity. Patients may also suffer emotional and psychological problems.
