Emergency department management of smoke inhalation injury in adults

Emerg Med Pract. 2018 Mar;20(3):1-24. Epub 2018 Mar 1.

Abstract

Smoke inhalation injury portends increased morbidity and mortality in fire-exposed patients. Upper airway thermal burns, inflammation from lower airway irritants, and systemic effects of carbon monoxide and cyanide can contribute to injury. A standardized diagnostic protocol for inhalation injury is lacking, and management remains mostly supportive. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for concomitant traumatic injuries. Diagnosis is mostly clinical, aided by bronchoscopy and other supplementary tests. Treatment includes airway and respiratory support, lung protective ventilation, 100% oxygen or hyperbaric oxygen therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning, and hydroxocobalamin for cyanide toxicity. Due to its progressive nature, many patients with smoke inhalation injury warrant close monitoring for development of airway compromise.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bronchoscopy / methods
  • Burns / complications
  • Burns / physiopathology
  • Burns / therapy
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / etiology
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / physiopathology
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation / methods
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods
  • Respiration, Artificial / methods
  • Smoke Inhalation Injury / complications*
  • Smoke Inhalation Injury / diagnosis*
  • Smoke Inhalation Injury / physiopathology