Epidemiology
Although burns are a common injury, the exact prevalence of burn injuries is difficult to determine, as many people will not seek medical advice.[1] Globally, in 2017 nearly 9 million people were recorded as injured by fire, heat, or hot substances.[2] An estimated 180,000 people die every year after burn injuries; the vast majority in developing countries. Death rates from burns have been decreasing in many developed countries, and the rate of child deaths from burns is over 7 times higher in developing than in developed countries. WHO: fact sheet - burns Opens in new window Children surviving very serious burns may be at risk for other physical and emotional health issues as they grow older, emphasizing the importance of ongoing burn aftercare programs.[3]
Country-specific annual data are as follows:
US[4]
An estimated 398,000 people with burn injuries receive medical treatment.
29,165 people require hospitalization. Of those admissions, 15,280 are for minor injuries not requiring surgical treatment, 9340 for deep burns requiring surgical treatment without prolonged ventilation, and 1290 for extensive burns necessitating surgical treatment and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Overall in-hospital mortality for burn patients is 2.7%.
Additionally, fire/smoke inhalation accounts for about 3800 deaths.
UK[5]
Around 13,000 people require hospital attention from specialist burns injury services.
5% of the significant trauma workload in England and Wales is a result of burn injury.
In-hospital mortality for burn patients is 1.51%.
Bangladesh WHO: fact sheet - burns Opens in new window
Nearly 173,000 children are moderately or severely burned.
Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, and Pakistan WHO: fact sheet - burns Opens in new window
17% of children with burns have a temporary disability and 18% have a permanent disability.
Nepal WHO: fact sheet - burns Opens in new window
In rural areas burns are the second most common injury, accounting for 5% of disabilities.
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