Exposure to smoke, soot, hot air and chemical fumes from a fire can lead to various health consequences. Inhaling or breathing in these irritants can cause smoke-related lung and respiratory injuries. Depending on what is inhaled, you could also suffer ill effects from toxic pollutants or poisons. It is important to visit a doctor after any type of smoke inhalation. If your exposure was the result of a major blaze, consulting a California wildfire lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation.
Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation
If you were anywhere in the vicinity of a fire – a wildfire or structural fire – you may be adversely affected by smoke inhalation. This is true even if you were not close to the fire, as the smoke can affect nearby air quality.
If you breathe in enough smoke, you may experience smoke inhalation symptoms, such as:
- Eye and sinus irritation
- Trouble breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Hoarse voice
- Sore throat
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up gray or black mucus
- Wheezing or gasping
- Asthma attacks
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Changes in skin or vein color
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
If you notice any of these symptoms, assume it is a medical emergency and get immediate care from a professional. Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away for a checkup. The symptoms of smoke inhalation can worsen quickly. Don’t wait to get help.
Types of Smoke Inhalation Injuries
Smoke inhalation can cause issues beyond simple lung irritation. Smoke inhalation injuries can be serious and even life-threatening. Potential health complications associated with smoke inhalation include:
- Asphyxiation (loss of oxygen)
- Cell and tissue damage
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Lung irritation and swelling from chemical exposure
- Lung injuries
- Brain and organ damage
- Death
Breathing in smoke can cause injuries from a lack of oxygen as well as exposure to chemicals. Vulnerable populations, such as those with pre-existing medical conditions, are more likely to need emergency care due to smoke inhalation.
Smoke Inhalation Treatments and Prognosis
Prompt medical care is imperative for victims of smoke inhalation. A quick diagnosis can lead to timely treatments and a better prognosis for recovery. A doctor will diagnose smoke inhalation injuries through a physical exam and diagnostic tests. Blood tests will also be done to check for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Treatments typically include protecting the victim from further smoke exposure and delivering high concentrations of oxygen through a mask to remove any poisons from the blood. In severe cases, the victim may need intubation.
When to See a Doctor
If you are in a place that is exposed to smoke, move to a safer location and breathe in fresh air. If you begin developing the symptoms of smoke inhalation, which can take one to three days to appear, seek medical care immediately.
Even if your symptoms appear mild, there may be more damage beneath the surface than you realize. A physical examination and blood tests are necessary to determine the extent of the harm you have suffered due to smoke exposure.
The recovery time for smoke inhalation injuries depends on the type and severity of the damage. Long-term and permanent effects of smoke inhalation are possible. Keep up with your doctor’s treatment recommendations for the best health prognosis.