Inhalation injury caused by the products of combustion

Inhalation injury results from a type of chemical burn (tracheobronchitis) of the respiratory tract. When this injury occurs in patients with serious cutaneous burns the mortality is exceedingly high- 48% to 86%. The injury can be divided into three types according to the level at which the damage occurs; upper airway, major airway and terminal airway. The early signs and symptoms may be complicated by carbon monoxide poisoning. The patient's condition usually follows a staged progression that is proportional to the extent and severity of the tracheobronchitis. Indirect laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, scintiscanning of the lung with xenon 133 and serial analysis of arterial blood gases are useful diagnostic techniques. Treatment must be expeditious, and it depends on the severity of the injury. The prophylactic use of antibiotics and steroids is contraindicated.