Introduction
Smoke inhalation means that you have breathed in smoke. Exposure to hot smoke from a fire can damage all parts of your airway including your nose, mouth, throat (trachea), and lungs. If you received a burn injury on the outside of your body from a fire, you are also at risk of having a smoke inhalation injury in your airways.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by exposure to smoke in burning buildings.
What increases the risk?
People with chronic lung disease or a history of alcohol abuse are at higher risk for serious complications from smoke inhalation.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this injury include:
Sore throat.
Cough, including coughing up black material that looks burnt (carbonaceous sputum).
Wheezing
…show more content…
Inspection of your airway (laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy).
Blood tests.
Further medical evaluation and hospital care may be needed if your symptoms get worse over the next 1–2 days.
How is this treated?
Treatment for smoke inhalation depends on the severity of the condition.
Hospitalization. You may be admitted to the hospital for overnight observation if you have breathing difficulty from the smoke inhalation.
Breathing assistance. If severe breathing trouble develops, a breathing tube may be needed to help you breathe.
Supplemental oxygen. You may be placed on supplemental oxygen therapy if your breathing is not good and your oxygen levels are low.
Follow these instructions at home:
Do not return to the area of the fire until the proper authorities tell you it is safe.
Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Do not drink alcohol until approved by your health care provider.
Drink enough water and fluids to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
Get plenty of rest for the next 2–3 days.
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care