Clinical smoke inhalation injury: pulmonary effects

Abstract

Smoke-inhalation injury may range from lethal effects of entrapment in a burning closed structure to a minor exacerbation of preexisting asthma or bronchitis following a transient whiff of smoke. This article reviews the pathophysiology of smoke-inhalation injury and the clinical pattern of respiratory tract injury. Various diagnostic tools are used to determine the presence and severity of respiratory injury in order to guide management decisions. Despite improved understanding of the pathogenesis of smoke-inhalation injury, there is no proven, specific treatment which offers superior outcomes, and management focuses on the nonspecific effects of smoke inhalation on respiratory function, general support of the patient, and avoidance of iatrogenic problems.