Deaths from burns follow a predictable time course — shock first, then toxemia and organ failure, then infection.
Immediate Causes
Shock
- Neurogenic shock — due to severe pain.
- Hypovolemic shock — due to massive plasma loss from the burned surface. Common cause of death during the first 48 hours.
Early Causes
Toxemia
- Absorption of toxic products from damaged tissues.
Acute Renal Failure
- Due to shock and dehydration.
Respiratory Failure
- Inhalation injury
- Laryngeal edema
- Pulmonary edema
Late Causes
Septicemia
- Most common late cause of death.
- Due to infection of burn wounds.