Inhalation injury

Inhalation injury occurs when noxious stimuli such as heat, gases, or particulate matter come into contact with the respiratory system.

Residential fires and workplace accidents are common events that lead to inhalation injury.

Pathophysiology includes thermal injury, systemic absorption of toxic compounds, and direct cellular injury.

Clinical manifestations include upper airway obstruction, carbon monoxide poisoning, airflow obstruction, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Therapy is largely supportive, although targeted therapies are the subject of active investigation.

Long-term sequelae and complications are common.

Inhalation injury is a spectrum of clinical disease that occurs when the respiratory system is exposed to extreme heat or toxic substances.[1]Rabinowitz, PM, Siegel MD. Acute inhalational injury. Clin Chest Med. 2002 Dec;23(4):707-15. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12512160?tool=bestpractice.com These exposures occur most commonly in the setting of occupational chemical accidents and residential fires. The severity and pathogenesis of clinical disease depends upon the toxins present and the level of exposure. Acute disease severity can range from mild to fatal. Chronic consequences of inhalation injury are common.