Inhalation Injuries

When Does Smoke Inhalation Occur?

Smoke inhalation is the number one cause of death related to fires, even more so than actual burns. An obvious product of any fire is smoke. When in close proximity to a fire, you are most likely breathing in results of combustion. In the smoke there is a high concentration of heated gases as well as toxins, of which carbon monoxide and cyanide can be inhaled.

Depending on such factors as:

1. What is being burned.
2. The temperature of the flames.
3. The availability of oxygen, the kind of smoke produced by the fire is varied.

Health Complications/Symptoms

There are three main complications when dealing with smoke inhalation. The first is the reduction of oxygen levels. Due to inhaling of carbon monoxide and/or cyanide, there is a significant chance of death. The second complication involves injury to the upper airway. Any hot gases inhaled can cause great thermal injury and are known within 24 hours. Possible results are: oedema, loss of ability in eliminating secretions, and respiratory distress. The third complication pertains to inhalation of the previously mentioned products of combustion, resulting in chemical injury. Possible outcome to this complication are: increased heart rate, heavy breathing, and bronchospasm.

Treatment Options

All victims of smoke inhalation should be treated by being taken away from the origin of exposure and given 100% pure oxygen. This is in addition to having all vital signs checked to make sure that everything is as it should be. In terms of medical treatment options, one may need the following: bronchoscopy, hyperbaric oxygenation, or prescription medication. All options should be considered when dealing with smoke inhalation.

Legal Rights

Smoke inhalation is commonly not known right away if the victim has suffered from a more severe, visible injury. Anyone who has suffered from smoke inhalation injuries should seek legal consultation as soon as possible. Contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today for your free legal consulation.