Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Depending on the type and amount of irritant gas inhaled, victims can experience symptoms ranging from minor respiratory discomfort to acute airway and lung injury and even death. A common response cascade to a variety of irritant gases includes inflammation , edema and epithelial sloughing , which if left untreated can result in scar formation ...
Smoke inhalation is the breathing in of harmful fumes (produced as by-products of combusting substances) through the respiratory tract. [1] This can cause smoke inhalation injury (subtype of acute inhalation injury) which is damage to the respiratory tract caused by chemical and/or heat exposure, as well as possible systemic toxicity after smoke inhalation.
Aspiration is defined as inhalation of oropharyngeal or gastric contents into the pulmonary tree. Depending on the composition of the aspirate, three complications have been described: [4] Chemical pneumonitis may develop whose severity depends on the pH value and quantity of aspirate. [4]
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a type of respiratory failure characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs. [1] Symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea), rapid breathing (tachypnea), and bluish skin coloration (cyanosis). [1] For those who survive, a decreased quality of life is common. [4]
In a new report by Kaiser Health News, health facilities and hospitals are reporting an influx of patients for problems most likely related to smoke inhalation.
Patients may watch for symptoms, such as shortness of breath, change in character or amount of mucus, and start self-treatment as discussed with a health care provider. This allows for treatment right away until a doctor can be seen. [5] The symptoms of acute exacerbations are treated using short-acting bronchodilators.
[1] [5] It can manifest in adults with exposure to high levels of chlorine, ammonia, acetic acid, or sulphur dioxide, creating symptoms like asthma. [6] These symptoms can vary from mild to fatal and can even create long-term airway damage, depending on the amount of exposure and the concentration of chlorine.
An exception is when acute bronchitis is due to pertussis. [1] Tentative evidence supports honey and pelargonium to help with symptoms. [1] Acute bronchitis is one of the most common diseases. [3] [13] About 5% of adults are affected and about 6% of children have at least one episode a year. [7] [8] It occurs more often in the winter. [7]