ABSTRACT
Inhalation injury is a nonspecific term describing the harmful effects of aspiration of any of a large number of materials that can damage the airways or pulmonary parenchyma. Inhalation injury is produced by either thermal or chemical irritation due to aspiration of smoke, burning embers, steam, or other irritant or cytotoxic materials in the form of fumes, mists, particulates, or gases. The damage can be the result of direct cytotoxic effects of the aspirated materials or secondary injury due to an inflammatory response. In addition to damage to the airways and pulmonary parenchyma, inhalation of toxic substances such as carbon monoxide or cyanide can produce harmful systemic effects.
