Final answer:
Curling's ulcer is a stress-related gastric ulcer that occurs in burn patients. It is caused by reduced blood flow to the stomach lining due to hypovolemia or shock resulting from the burn injury. Early and aggressive resuscitation and the use of proton pump inhibitors can help prevent Curling's ulcer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Curling's ulcer is a stress-related gastric ulcer that occurs in burn patients. The ulcers form due to decreased blood flow to the stomach lining, caused by hypovolemia or shock resulting from the burn injury. This reduced blood flow leads to cellular damage and the formation of ulcers.
Preventing Curling's ulcer in burn patients involves early and aggressive resuscitation to maintain adequate blood volume and prevent hypovolemia. Additionally, medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be used to reduce stomach acid production, which helps prevent the formation of ulcers.