Thermal trauma

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Thermal Trauma

Thermal trauma (pronunciation: /ˈθərməl ˈtrɔːmə/) is a type of trauma that results from the body being exposed to extreme heat or cold. The term is often used to refer to burns, but can also include damage from frostbite and other cold-related injuries.

Etymology

The term "thermal trauma" comes from the Greek words "therme" (heat) and "trauma" (wound or injury).

Types of Thermal Trauma

There are several types of thermal trauma, including:

  • Burns: These are injuries caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. They can range from minor to severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
  • Frostbite: This is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. It usually occurs in extremely cold temperatures, but can also happen in milder weather if the skin is exposed to cold and wet conditions for a long period of time.
  • Hypothermia: This is a condition where the body's core temperature drops below the normal range. It can lead to serious health problems, including heart failure and death.

Treatment

Treatment for thermal trauma depends on the type and severity of the injury. It may include:

  • First Aid: This can include cooling the burn with cold water, covering the area with a sterile dressing, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Medical Treatment: For more severe injuries, medical treatment may be necessary. This can include surgery to remove damaged tissue, skin grafts, and specialized burn care.
  • Rehabilitation: After the initial treatment, rehabilitation may be needed to help restore function and appearance to the affected area. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling.

See Also

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski