Inhalation injury

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Background

  • Inhalational injury a concern with history of being trapped in enclosed space for some time with toxic gases / fumes

Clinical Features

General

Inert Gases

  • Inert gases (carbon dioxide, fuel gases) displace air and oxygen producing asphyxia
  • Present with severe hypoxia

Irritant Gases

  • Irritant gases (ammonia, formaldehyde, chlorine, nitrogen dioxide) when dissolved in water lining respiratory tract produce a chemical burn and inflammatory response
  • More soluble the gas produces more upper airway burns/irritation symptoms
  • Less soluble gases produce more pulmonary injury and respiratory distress

Systemic Toxins

Allergic

  • Inhaled gases, particles, aerosols
  • Produce bronchospasms and edema similar to asthma

Smoke Inhalation / Thermal

  • Most fatalities from burn injuries are attributed to smoke inhalation
  • Soot in posterior pharynx, singed nasal hair
  • Hyperacute - severe wheezing, bronchoconstriction, significant hypoxemia
  • Acute pulmonary edema - onset at 48-72 hours post injury in a previously asymptomatic patient
  • Bronchopneumonia often at 10 days post-injury

Differential Diagnosis

Inhalation injury

Unintentional
Terrorism

Burns

Evaluation

  • Look for evidence of exposure
    • Estimated time of exposure
    • Open or enclosed space
    • Associated events such as fire, blast, etc.?
    • Is the exposure known?
    • Material on patient? Does patient smell of chemical?
Examples - smoke inhalation from burning building, leak of a solvent, chemical fumes

Management

General

  • Separate patient from fumes/toxic agent
  • Decontaminate if not done on scene
  • Secure airway if necessary and ventilate, observe for respiratory distress and airway compromise
  • Oxygen at 6-12 liters per minute via mask

Inert Gases

Allergic

Smoke Inhalation / Thermals

Disposition

  • Respiratory distress or airway compromise will need admission
  • Observe for 1-4 hours if no signs or symptoms of inhalation injury develop or if all resolved within 1 hour consider discharging patient home with instructions for return for re-evaluation next day or sooner if pulmonary and/or airway symptoms develop

See Also

External Links

Video

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References