Treatment of systemic toxicity

Essentially, the treatment of inhalational burns causing systemic injury is supportive. There may be specific treatments with particular agents - see submenu.

General management includes:

• protective measures if patient is unconscious:
  • protection of the airway
  • place in semi-prone coma position
• administer oxygen:
  • should be 100% and humidified
  • hyperbaric oxygen should be considered to increase the 'washout' of gases such as carbon monoxide
  • intubation and ventilation - may be desirable, particularly as there is often upper airway damage as a result of inhalation