treatment of systemic toxicity
Last reviewed 01/2018
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