Smoke inhalation: Difference between revisions
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It is estimated that 50–80% of fire deaths are the result of [[smoke]] inhalation injuries, including burns to the respiratory system.<ref>[http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/6413-1.asp http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/6413-1.asp]</ref> The hot smoke injures or kills by a combination of thermal damage, poisoning and pulmonary irritation and swelling, caused by [[carbon monoxide]], [[cyanide]] and other combustion products. |
It is estimated that 50–80% of fire deaths are the result of [[smoke]] inhalation injuries, including burns to the respiratory system.<ref>[http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/6413-1.asp http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/6413-1.asp]</ref> The hot smoke injures or kills by a combination of thermal damage, poisoning and pulmonary irritation and swelling, caused by [[carbon monoxide]], [[cyanide]] and other combustion products. |
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==Signs and symptoms== |
==Signs and symptoms== |
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Symptoms range from coughing and vomiting to nausea, sleepiness and confusion. Burns to the nose, mouth and face; singed nostril hairs; and difficulty breathing / [[carbonaceous]] sputum (burned saliva) are also signs of smoke inhalation injury. Approximately one third of patients admitted to burns units have pulmonary injury from hot smoke inhalation. The death rate of patients with both severe burns and smoke inhalation can be in excess of 50%. |
Symptoms range from coughing and vomiting to nausea, sleepiness and confusion. Burns to the nose, mouth and face; singed nostril hairs; and difficulty breathing / [[carbonaceous]] sputum (burned saliva) are also signs of smoke inhalation injury. Approximately one third of patients admitted to burns units have pulmonary injury from hot smoke inhalation. The death rate of patients with both severe burns and smoke inhalation can be in excess of 50%. |
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Revision as of 17:39, 26 September 2011
| Smoke inhalation |
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Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in victims of indoor fires.
Smoke inhalation injury refers to injury due to inhalation or exposure to hot gaseous products of combustion. This can cause serious respiratory complications.[1]
It is estimated that 50–80% of fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation injuries, including burns to the respiratory system.[2] The hot smoke injures or kills by a combination of thermal damage, poisoning and pulmonary irritation and swelling, caused by carbon monoxide, cyanide and other combustion products. Pie taste good
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms range from coughing and vomiting to nausea, sleepiness and confusion. Burns to the nose, mouth and face; singed nostril hairs; and difficulty breathing / carbonaceous sputum (burned saliva) are also signs of smoke inhalation injury. Approximately one third of patients admitted to burns units have pulmonary injury from hot smoke inhalation. The death rate of patients with both severe burns and smoke inhalation can be in excess of 50%.
Any person with apparent signs of smoke inhalation should be immediately evaluated by a medical professional such as a paramedic or physician. Advanced medical care may be necessary to save the life of the patient, including mechanical ventilation, even if the person is conscious and alert. Pending advanced intervention, the patient should be brought into fresh air and given medical oxygen if available.
Treatment
Treatment consists of humidified oxygen, bronchodilators, suction, endotracheal tube and chest physiotherapy. Other measures include adequate fluids and control of infection by daily sputum stains and appropriate antibiotics.