Inhalation injury--a major burn complication.

Inhalation injury results from exposure to the toxic gases, chemicals, and particulate matter of smoke to the respiratory tract. New synthetic materials have increased the toxicity of chemicals in smoke and added to the complexity of inhalation injuries. Clinical diagnosis is often difficult, but a high index of suspicion in victims of certain fire situations, coupled with early diagnostic bronchoscopy, will identify most victims. Prior to early bronchoscopy, the mortality rates for the combination of inhalation injury and body surface burn ranged from 75% to 90%. Early diagnosis, expectant management, and meticulous aseptic techniques can decrease the mortality rate to less than 30%.