Diagnosing Inhalation Injuries:
An inhalation injury is a serious injury to your lungs and respiratory system. It can be caused by inhaling chemicals, smoke from fire, particle pollutants, or even extreme heat. It can be a serious injury requiring immediate treatment. Symptoms can include:
- Coughing and phlegm
- Scratchy throat
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Chest pain or tightness
- Stinging eyes
- Irritated sinuses
- Runny nose
So, once you’ve been diagnosed, when should you seek a second opinion about your inhalation injury? People make mistakes and some physicians may be more aggressive in their treatment. It may also depend on your comfort with a physician, your diagnosis, and your recommended treatment. According to a recent study by the Mayo Clinic, as many as 88% of patients seeking a second opinion receive a new or refined diagnosis that may change their treatment and their lives.In some circumstances it may always be a good idea to seek a second opinion if:
- Your symptoms continue after treatment.
If you are still living with serious symptoms after treatment, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and ask for a second opinion. You shouldn’t assume you have to live with debilitating, painful, or uncomfortable symptoms.
- You are diagnosed with something rare.
If your diagnosis is rare, there may be little research behind it. Fewer patients can equal less medical knowledge about a rare condition or symptom. In this case, it can be wise to seek a second opinion to avoid the possibility of a misdiagnosis.
- The recommended treatment is risky.
If the recommended course of treatment for your inhalation injury involves surgery or an invasive procedure, it is risky, or it will involve lifelong consequences, it’s a good idea to seek a second opinion. Gathering more information can only help you feel more comfortable in your treatment decisions.
- Your gut reaction tells you something is off.
Sometimes you just don’t feel good about a recommended treatment or a diagnosis. This is OK. You should always have the option to gather more information and consult other medical professionals before deciding on a course of treatment.Remember, medical professionals are people too. They can make mistakes. And no medical professional will be insulted by your request for more information or your request to seek a second opinion about your inhalation injury.Contact us if you have questions. We have decades of experience helping victims of toxic exposure. Call 888-910-6376. Consultations are free.
