Smoke Inhalation Is A Burn

How many times have you heard on the news "treated for smoke inhalation"? Did you know that smoke inhalation is a burn injury?

Just like flames, smoke and fire debris damage tissue. Your mouth, nose, throat and lungs can be damaged, and these injuries can be serious and even fatal.

Up to 20 percent of people in a fire experience smoke inhalation injury, and 60 to 70 percent of those patients do not survive.

Any time someone suffers a burn, inhalation injuries should be evaluated and treated. Especially at risk are those involved in fire, combustion or chemical burns in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.

The St. Joseph Regional Burn Center’s healthcare team has the expertise and experience to evaluate and treat all types of burns, including inhalation injuries.

Don't discount the possibility of a serious injury just because you can't see it.