Are patients at risk for heat intolerance following a burn injury?

Patients are indeed at risk for heat intolerance following a burn injury due to several physiological changes that occur as a result of the damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Burn injuries disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature. The skin is a crucial organ for thermoregulation; it helps dissipate heat through perspiration and by controlling blood flow. When a burn occurs, especially if it is severe or extensive, this ability is compromised.

Additionally, the loss of the protective barrier provided by intact skin can lead to increased evaporative heat loss and a dysregulated response to ambient temperatures. As a result, burn patients may struggle to feel comfortable in warmer environments, which may lead to symptoms of heat intolerance such as increased heart rate, overheating, and excessive sweating.

The risk for heat intolerance is not limited to the immediate aftermath of a burn; it can persist for months or even years post-injury, depending on the severity, extent, and nature of the burn healing process. Thus, recognizing and addressing heat intolerance is essential for the ongoing management and rehabilitation of burn patients.