BURNS 4

INHALATION INJURY

Diagnosis of inhalation injury is difficult to make, a

presumptive diagnosis is made based on a history that is

consistent and signs and symptoms that are associated with injury

to the airway.

Any patient who sustains injury in a closed space and has burns

above the clavicle, singeing of nasal hair, hoarseness, or

carbonaceous sputum should be assumed to have sustained an

inhalation injury.

Elevated carboxy-hemoglobin levels will confirm exposure to carbon

monoxide, but are not diagnostic for injury to the lung.

Because the primary concern early after inhalation injury is

obstruction of the airway, the upper airway should be evaluated

immediately, usually in the emergency department.

Flexible bronchos-copy provides the opportunity to confirm the

diagnosis and initiate therapy.

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