What Researchers Did
This review article summarized the causes, types, and current treatment approaches for inhalation injury in burn patients.
What They Found
Inhalation injury significantly increases illness and death among burn patients, despite advancements in burn care. The injury presents in three main classes-supraglottic, subglottic, and systemic-each with different effects and treatment needs. Currently, there is no global consensus on how to diagnose, grade, or treat these injuries, leading to wide variations in care worldwide. However, data supports the use of prompt bronchoscopy, suctioning, nebulized heparin for fibrin casts, nebulized N-acetylcysteine for mucus casts, and bronchodilators.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients suffering from inhalation injury alongside burns face a complex condition that significantly impacts their recovery. This review highlights various treatment approaches, such as prompt bronchoscopy and specific nebulized medications, which may be considered to improve outcomes for these patients.
Canadian Relevance
The study covers carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
The review acknowledges that there is currently no global consensus on how to diagnose, grade, or standardize treatment for inhalation injuries.