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Inhalation Burn Injury

Inhalation burn injury occurs after exposure to fire smoke and chemical gases, causing thermal and chemical damage to the airway mucosa.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Inhalation Burn Injury?

Inhalation burn injury results from breathing in hot air, carbon monoxide, cyanide and irritant gases in a fire environment. The pathology may combine upper airway thermal injury, lower airway chemical injury and systemic toxicity.

Clinical findings include face and neck burns, soot-containing sputum, hoarseness, stridor, singed hair and erythematous-ulcerative oropharyngeal lesions. Carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning may accompany the injury.

Management consists of oxygen therapy, early airway protection (intubation in suspected cases), bronchoscopic evaluation and prevention of complications.

Symptoms

Burns and soot on the face, nose and throat
Hoarseness and stridor
Soot-containing sputum
Dyspnea and tachypnea
Altered consciousness (CO and cyanide)
Hypoxemia and acidosis

Risk Factors

Fires in enclosed spaces
Duration of smoke inhalation
Multiple burns and loss of consciousness
Burning of plastic and chemical materials
Industrial accidents
Domestic electrical heating accidents

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Any patient with suspected smoke inhalation should be referred to the emergency department
  • High-flow oxygen should be started early
  • Intubation should be considered before airway edema develops
  • Transfer to a burn center should be planned

Treatment Methods

01
High-flow 100% oxygen
02
Early airway assessment and intubation
03
Bronchoscopy to visualize the mucosa
04
Hyperbaric oxygen evaluation in CO poisoning
05
Hydroxocobalamin for cyanide poisoning
06
Intensive care supportive treatment

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.