What does burn shock refer to?

Burn shock is classified as a form of nonhemorrhagic hypovolemic shock. This type of shock occurs after a significant burn injury, which causes a dramatic loss of fluid due to increased capillary permeability and evaporative loss. When the skin is damaged by burns, it leads to the release of inflammatory mediators that increase vascular permeability. As a result, plasma leaks out of the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood volume without actual blood loss, which is characteristic of nonhemorrhagic shock.

This loss of fluid contributes to decreased blood pressure and inadequate perfusion of organs, resulting in shock. In contrast, other forms of shock, such as hemorrhagic shock, involve actual blood loss, which is not the case with burn shock. Addressing the fluid loss and stabilizing the patient is crucial in managing burn shock effectively.