Burns, depending on their severity and extent, can lead to a range of complications. Here are ten potential complications:
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Arrhythmia: Electrical burns can disrupt the heart's electrical signals, causing irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias. [Reference: Provided reference list]
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Dehydration: Significant fluid loss through burned skin can lead to severe dehydration. [Reference: Provided reference list]
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Disfiguring Scars and Contractures: Severe burns often result in permanent scarring, which can be disfiguring and lead to contractures (tightening of the skin). [Reference: Provided reference list]
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Edema (Swelling): Burn injuries frequently cause edema, or excess fluid accumulation in the tissues, leading to swelling. [Reference: Provided reference list]
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Organ Failure: Extensive burns can cause damage to multiple organs, potentially leading to organ failure. [Reference: Provided reference list]
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Pneumonia: Inhalation of smoke or hot air during a burn injury can increase the risk of pneumonia. [Reference: Provided reference list]
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Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Severe burns can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, potentially leading to shock. [Reference: Provided reference list]
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Anemia: Large full-thickness burns (affecting more than 10% of the Total Body Surface Area or TBSA) commonly result in anemia (low red blood cell count). [Reference: NCBI Bookshelf - Burn Resuscitation and Management]
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Compartment Syndrome: This serious condition can occur after electrical burns, resulting from pressure buildup within a muscle compartment, compromising blood supply. [Reference: NCBI Bookshelf - Burn Resuscitation and Management]
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Infections: Burn wounds are highly susceptible to infection, which can range from local skin infections to life-threatening sepsis. [Reference: PubMed - Predictors of infectious complications after burn injuries in children]
It's important to note that not all burn injuries will lead to these complications, and the severity of complications varies greatly depending on factors such as the depth and extent of the burn, the individual's overall health, and the quality of medical care received.
