What Happens After an Inhalation Injury:
Inhaling smoke, heat, or toxic chemicals, whether at home or in an industrial setting, can cause damage to your respiratory tract. But once the damage is treated, how do you know if this inhalation injury will have long-term consequences to your health?
Smoke Inhalation
Smoke inhalation causes damage because it restricts oxygen to the body. But it can also cause irritation and damage to the respiratory tract through chemicals that combust in fire. Examples of chemical irritants found in fire include sulfur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen chloride, and chlorine. The high heat found in a fire can also damage the respiratory tract.After smoke inhalation, symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath, noisy breathing, hoarseness, a headache, a change in mental state, or a change in skin color. If you have a hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, drawn out coughing spells, or mental confusion, call 911 immediately. Medical treatment may include oxygen, a bronchoscopy to assess the damage to the airway, or hyperbaric oxygenation. Your doctor may prescribe inhalers or pain medication. It may take time for your lungs to fully heal and you may have shortness of breath or scarring for the rest of your life. Avoid cigarette smoke, which may trigger additional symptoms. If you have persistent hoarseness, that may improve if you seek early treatment.
Chemical Inhalation
A number of the chemicals we encounter every day, either at home or at work, can be deadly if inhaled. If you’ve inhaled chemical fumes, you may experience shortness of breath, coughing, throat and nose irritation, and upper chest pain. The treatment is usually to breathe fresh air and symptoms should go away within 24 hours.However, inhaling chemical particulates, chemical fumes or liquids can also lead to inflammation of the lungs and chemical pneumonia. While some chemicals only harm the lungs, some toxic materials can result in organ damage and death. Symptoms can include a dry cough or wet cough producing mucus; wheezing; burning of the eyes, mouth, or throat; chest pain; nausea; painful breathing; headache; and delirium or disorientation. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Your prognosis will depend on how quickly you receive treatment, your exposure, and your current health.If you or a loved one have suffered an acute inhalation injury, you may be entitled to compensation and assistance. For a FREE consultation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-6376, or contact us here.
