Inhalation Injury of Lung and Heart After Inhalation of Toxic Substances

The clinical manifestations of acute inhalation of toxic substances vary according to the particular injurious agents, concentration, length of exposure, and underlying pre-existing diseases in the subjects. Responses of lung and heart on acute and chronic irritant gases are discussed. The data mainly stem from occupational and environmental exposures. The effects of acute lung injury are demonstrated with special regard to carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and related substances observed in acute smoke inhalation. Clinical manifestations are illustrated. Most complications of fire exposures and death are due to inhalation injuries rather than by burn damages to the skin. Prevention can only be performed in fire fighters by means of protection masks. In case of intoxication during fire, e.g. in houses, smoke inhalation victims have to be treated according to symptoms and signs and toxic inhalants to be involved so far known. Oxygen supply, drugs to open airways (bronchodilators) and lung protection by corticosteroids are cornerstones in therapy. Victims have to be hospitalized as fast as possible. Evacuations of people in buildings also depend on physical fitness, age, weight and diseases of joints and bones.