Inhalation injuries occur when harmful substances enter your lungs and cause inflammation, irritation, or damage to your respiratory system.

Some injuries are immediate, while others develop over time as a result of repeated exposure. There are two main types of inhalation injuries: thermal and chemical.

Inhaling hot gases or smoke can damage the upper respiratory tract (mouth, throat, and windpipe). Toxic chemicals such as chlorine or ammonia can cause burns, inflammation, and long-term lung damage.

Inhaling smoke or pollutants, especially during wildfires or on days with high ozone levels, can damage your lungs over time.

Common activities that can increase your risk of inhalation injury include:

  • Cooking: Smoke, steam, or fumes in an inadequately ventilated kitchen can irritate your airways.
  • Cleaning: Household cleaning products containing harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, can release toxic fumes.
  • Renovations: Renovation projects that involve painting, sanding, or using adhesives can release harmful fumes and particles into the air.

You may be more likely to develop an inhalation injury if you work in certain industries, such as:

  • Construction: Exposure to dust, asbestos, or welding fumes can damage your respiratory system.
  • Emergency response: When exposed to fire and smoke, firefighters and other first responders risk inhaling toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.
  • Manufacturing: Inhaling toxic gases or fumes from chemicals used in manufacturing can cause long-term respiratory damage.

Although symptoms vary depending on the substance inhaled and the extent of exposure, they generally include:

  • chest pain or tightness
  • coughing
  • hoarseness
  • shortness of breath
  • throat swelling

Seek emergency medical attention if you develop:

  • confusion
  • difficulty breathing
  • dizziness
  • loss of consciousness
  • throat swelling so severe that it begins to obstruct your airway

A healthcare professional will start by asking about the type and duration of exposure.

Next, they’ll assess your breathing, listen for abnormal lung sounds, and check for signs of airway damage, such as swelling or soot around your mouth and nose.

They may order one or more of the following types of tests:

  • Imaging tests: Chest X-rays or CT scans may be used to check for lung damage, fluid in your lungs, or other signs of injury.
  • Blood tests: In cases of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, blood tests can measure your levels of carboxyhemoglobin, indicating how much carbon monoxide is in your system.
  • Pulmonary function tests: These tests help assess the impact of inhalation injury on lung function, especially if there is concern about long-term respiratory symptoms.
  • Bronchoscopy: In severe cases, healthcare professionals may perform a bronchoscopy to see the damage in your lungs and airways.

Depending on the type of injury, a healthcare professional might prescribe bronchodilators to open your airways, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, or antibiotics to prevent or treat infections.

For injuries involving oxygen deprivation, breathing in 100% oxygen through a mask or via a hyperbaric chamber can help remove toxins from your bloodstream and restore oxygen levels.

Intravenous fluids may be used to help restore your blood pressure and keep you hydrated while your body heals.

In severe cases, a healthcare professional may insert a tube into your windpipe to help you breathe. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary if your lungs cannot function properly on their own.

Ongoing care may include respiratory therapy, physical therapy, and long-term monitoring for complications.

Depending on the severity and type of exposure, inhalation injuries can lead to several complications, such as:

  • Infection: The damage caused by inhalation injuries can increase the risk of bacterial or viral infections in your lungs. Pneumonia is a common complication of severe inhalation injuries.
  • Pulmonary edema: Inhalation injuries from hot gases or chemicals can lead to swelling and fluid buildup in the air sacs of your lungs.
  • Fibrosis: The healing process may lead to fibrosis (scarring), which can reduce lung function and cause long-term breathing difficulties.
  • Chronic respiratory conditions: Long-term exposure, especially in occupational settings, can result in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or interstitial lung disease.
  • Respiratory failure: If your lungs are severely damaged by toxic chemicals or smoke, they may not be able to provide enough oxygen to your body. This can be life threatening and may require mechanical ventilation.

You can install smoke detectors, maintain fire extinguishers, and create an emergency escape plan to reduce the risk of smoke inhalation in the event of a fire.

Proper ventilation in your home or workplace can reduce the buildup of fumes or smoke. To improve air quality, use exhaust fans, open windows, and install air purifiers.

When working with potentially harmful substances at home or in a hazardous job, always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as a face mask or respirator, to filter out toxic substances.

Inhalation injuries can happen in any environment, including your home or workplace.

If you experience symptoms of an inhalation injury, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications and promote a faster recovery.