Gastrointestinal Tract Function:
As a result of burn injury acute gastric dilation occurs, creating abdominal distention and regurgitations. Malabsorption occurs secondary to a decrease in blood supply and motility of the G.I. tract. Ulceration appear on the gastroduodenal mucosa and a decrease in gastric mucus production is apparent. Hyperacidity of gastric secretion with high level of hydrogen ion increase susceptibility to curling ulcer.
Pulmonary Function:
Hyperventilation, detectable around third day often rises to a maximum at about five days after the bums and then gradually declines unless other complication supervene. Oxygen consumption shows a marked increase resulting in decreased arterial oxygen tension, Arterial Po, usually returns to the normal level spontaneously by the end of first week.
Water Evaporation:
Evaporation of water from the site of burn occurs due to exudation of plasma on the surface during first 48 hours following bum. The amount of evaporative loss may be as high as 6 to 18 litres per day in tropical condition. We have discussed the pathophysiology of burns now let us learn the classification of bums.