Intermediate
Technical
IVT
inhalation injury
Respiratory tract damage from inhaling hot gases, smoke, or toxic fumes during a fire.
Full Definition
Injury to the respiratory system resulting from inhalation of superheated air, smoke, or toxic combustion products during fire exposure. Inhalation injury can affect the upper airways, lower respiratory tract, or cause systemic toxicity from carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning. This complication significantly increases mortality risk in burn patients and may require mechanical ventilation, bronchoscopy, and specialized respiratory management.
In Context
- "Bronchoscopy confirmed severe inhalation injury requiring immediate intubation." — emergency assessment
- "The patient's inhalation injury complicated the burn management and prolonged recovery." — clinical summary
Also known as
smoke inhalation
Don't confuse with
thermal injury