Inhalation injury is a chemical burn of the airways secondary to inhaling the products of incomplete combustion. Three levels of damage are definable and include upper airway, major airway, and terminal airway and parenchyma. Accurate diagnosis using either fiberoptic bronchoscopy or133xenon lung scans or both permits early identification of high‐risk groups and the implementation of proper therapy. Treatment includes close observation, careful burn shock resuscitation, chest physiotherapy, bronchodilators, rigid aseptic techniques, and ventilatory support as needed. Systemic corticosteroids and prophylactic antibiotics should be avoided. Recent experience with improved diagnosis and treatment reveals a reduction in mortality rate from almost 90% to less than 30%.
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