Inhalation burn injury in children.

With advances in burn care, many children are surviving severe burn injuries. Inhalation injury remains a predictor of morbidity and mortality in burn injury. Inhalation of smoke and toxic gases leads to pulmonary complications, including airway obstruction from bronchial casts, pulmonary edema, decreased pulmonary compliance, and ventilation-perfusion mismatch, as well as systemic toxicity from carbon monoxide poisoning and cyanide toxicity. The diagnosis of inhalation injury is suggested by the history and physical exam and can be confirmed by bronchoscopy. Management consists of supportive measures, pulmonary toilet, treatment of pulmonary infection and ventilatory support as needed. This review details the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management options for inhalation injury.