From the Research
Yes, inhalation injury can occur from a flash burn, as the intense heat and toxic gases released during the incident can cause damage to the respiratory tract. Inhalation injuries can result from the inhalation of superheated air, steam, or toxic gases during a flash burn, leading to thermal damage to the upper respiratory tract, including the mouth, throat, and upper airways 1. The symptoms of inhalation injury may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and respiratory distress, and anyone exposed to a flash burn should be evaluated for potential inhalation injury, especially if the burn occurred in an enclosed space or if the person shows any respiratory symptoms 2. Treatment typically includes oxygen therapy, airway management, and in severe cases, mechanical ventilation, with bronchodilators and corticosteroids used to treat bronchospasm and reduce inflammation, respectively 3. Early recognition and treatment of inhalation injury are crucial, as respiratory complications can develop hours after the initial burn injury, and the goals of initial management are to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, and to avoid ventilator-induced lung injury 4. It is also important to note that carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation can occur as a result of flash burns, and treatment should be based on the principle that carbon monoxide dissociation occurs much faster if the patient is placed on 100% oxygen 5. Some key points to consider in the management of inhalation injury from flash burns include:
- Evaluation for potential inhalation injury, especially in enclosed spaces or with respiratory symptoms
- Oxygen therapy and airway management
- Mechanical ventilation in severe cases
- Use of bronchodilators and corticosteroids to treat bronchospasm and reduce inflammation
- Early recognition and treatment to prevent respiratory complications.