Comprehensive review of clinical presentation, treatment, and prognostic factors of airway burns

Abstract

Inhalation injury is a major contributor to poor outcomes in burn patients, increasing the risk of respiratory complications, prolonged hospitalization, and mortality. This review summarizes current knowledge on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of airway burns, based on clinical studies and guidelines. Injuries may be supraglottic, subglottic, or systemic, each leading to inflammation, airway obstruction, and impaired gas exchange. Carbon monoxide and cyanide toxicity further worsen systemic hypoxia. Diagnosis depends on clinical signs, imaging, and bronchoscopy, which remains the gold standard. Treatment involves airway stabilization, ventilatory support, inhaled therapies, and antidotes for toxic exposure. Prognosis is affected by burn extent, systemic response, and comorbidities such as substance abuse. Survivors often experience long-term pulmonary dysfunction, emphasizing the need for early, multidisciplinary intervention.

Keywords: burns; inhalation injury; pulmonary dysfunction; smoke systemic poisoning.