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Scald accidents during water aerosol inhalation in infants
M K Ebrahim1, R L Bang, A R Lari
1Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital (Teaching), Kuwait.
Insights
Infant scalds from home water aerosol inhalation therapy for respiratory infections are preventable. Using humidifiers instead of kettles or saucepans can significantly reduce these burn injuries in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Burn Injury Prevention
- Respiratory Care
Background:
- Home-based water aerosol inhalation therapy is used for infant respiratory tract infections.
- Infants are vulnerable to burns due to their inability to remain still and natural curiosity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and circumstances of scald injuries among infants undergoing water aerosol inhalation therapy at home.
- To identify risk factors associated with these injuries.
- To propose preventive strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 193 infants admitted for burns over a 4-year period.
- Analysis of injury mechanisms, focusing on water aerosol inhalation therapy.
Main Results:
- Eleven infants (5.7%) sustained scalds from water aerosol inhalation therapy.
- Therapy was administered using electric kettles or saucepans.
- These scalds increased the morbidity of infants with existing respiratory infections.
Conclusions:
- Home water aerosol inhalation therapy poses a significant burn risk to infants.
- The use of humidifiers is a safer alternative to prevent these iatrogenic scald injuries.
Abstract:
A study of 193 infants admitted for burns over a 4-year period revealed 11 infants (5.7 per cent) had sustained scalds during the process of water aerosol inhalation. The water aerosol inhalation therapy was prescribed for respiratory tract infection and carried out at home using either an electric kettle or a saucepan. It appears that infants are prone to this type of injury because of the difficulty of keeping them still during therapy and their inquisitiveness to explore their surroundings. The resulting scalds added to the morbidity of those children already suffering from respiratory tract infections. These accidents can easily be prevented by the alternative use of a humidifier.