Physiological responses

The body has typical physiological responses after a burn. Depending on the size and depth of the burn, these may include [4]:

• increased metabolic rate (impacting on wound healing)
• decreased thermoregulation (impacting on ability the body’s ability to maintain an ideal and safe core body temperature)
• altered/impaired sensation (impact on sensation of touch, pain and proprioception)
• infection due to damage to the body’s protective barrier (impact on wound healing)
• oedema due to fluid loss from damaged blood vessels (impact on ability to move joints, circulation and to breathe and talk if the burn is over the airway or face).