Inhalational burns in a choke hold

Abstract

Background: Inhalational injury is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with burn trauma. Resulting from the inhalation of hot gases, smoke, and toxic combustion products, it can involve the upper airway, lower respiratory tract, and cause systemic toxicity from gases such as carbon monoxide and cyanide. The presence of inhalation injury increases mortality two- to threefold compared to burns alone and significantly prolongs hospital stay. Early airway protection, high-flow humidified oxygen, and prompt bronchoscopic evaluation using the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) are critical components of management.