Management of burns of the head and neck

Burns of the head and neck with or without respiratory tract injury remain a serious and complex problem. Care of patients with this injury requires astute frequent clinical examinations, repeated laryngoscopy or flexible bronchoscopy, and serial laboratory investigations. Superb monitoring and care by the entire burn team with frequent dialogue among the individuals with specialized knowledge, mature clinical judgement in regard to therapy, the long-term follow-up help burn victims survive the injury and achieve the best possible functional ability and cosmetic appearance. There are no simple answers or rote decisions in the management of these injuries. The challenge requires the most innovative and creative care coupled with large amounts of hard work. Many of the recent advances in the management of burns of the head and neck have permitted these patients to survive and have helped them to return as functioning members of society.