Burns may be associated with an inhalation injury.

Burns may be associated with an inhalation injury.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

In burn care, inhalation injury is a real and important possibility, especially when the burn occurred in an enclosed space. Inhalation injury can affect the upper airways from heat, causing edema and airway obstruction, and can also involve the lower airways from inhaled smoke and toxic gases, leading to inflammation and impaired gas exchange. Because of this, burns may be accompanied by airway injury even if the external burns seem limited. Clues include facial burns, singed nasal hairs, soot in the mouth or sputum, hoarseness, coughing, or stridor. Early recognition matters because airway swelling can progress quickly and may require securing the airway promptly, along with high-flow oxygen and monitoring for carbon monoxide effects. So the statement is true.

In burn care, inhalation injury is a real and important possibility, especially when the burn occurred in an enclosed space. Inhalation injury can affect the upper airways from heat, causing edema and airway obstruction, and can also involve the lower airways from inhaled smoke and toxic gases, leading to inflammation and impaired gas exchange. Because of this, burns may be accompanied by airway injury even if the external burns seem limited. Clues include facial burns, singed nasal hairs, soot in the mouth or sputum, hoarseness, coughing, or stridor. Early recognition matters because airway swelling can progress quickly and may require securing the airway promptly, along with high-flow oxygen and monitoring for carbon monoxide effects. So the statement is true.