How to treat a burn of the respiratory tract. Chemical burns of the respiratory tract with household chemicals. Causes and treatment of respiratory tract burns. Thermal damage to the lungs

A lung burn occurs as a result of exposure to hot smoke, chemicals, and other substances. The problem will manifest itself depending on the degree and extent of the lesions. This is also taken into account when choosing treatment methods.

A burn injury to the lungs is possible due to inhalation of chemicals:

Acid. Chlorine damage occurs most often.
Alkali. Caustic soda, ammonia, caustic soda.
Alcohol.

Thermal burns appear if a person inhales hot smoke, steam, high temperature liquids.

Such injuries are accompanied by the development of an inflammatory process, damage to the mucous membrane, epithelium, and circulatory disorders.

Classification of burns by degrees

A burn of the respiratory system develops in several stages. The first degree is characterized by a burn of the oral mucosa, epiglottis and larynx. This can happen as a result of swallowing boiling liquid or under the influence of burning vapors. If the lung is affected, then the mucous membrane swells and pain when swallowing worries. More severe cases are characterized by blistering and white patches. Swallowing disorder is observed.

The second stage is manifested by a burn injury to the respiratory system. Such lesions are more severe. They affect the epiglottis, its cartilage and folds, pharynx, trachea.

Third degree burns pose a serious danger to human health and life. In this case, the development of hyperemia is observed. The bronchi lose their ability to retain moisture and mucus accumulates in the airways. In this case, respiratory failure, severe edema, and burn shock develops.

Symptoms of damage will appear depending on the severity of the burn.

Clinical manifestations

People with respiratory tract burns experience the following symptoms:

burn injury to the face and neck;
the appearance of burnt nose hair;
the formation of soot on the tongue and palate;
the appearance of necrotic spots on the oral mucosa;
swelling of the nasopharynx;
the voice becomes hoarse;
painful sensations appear during swallowing;
trouble breathing and dry cough.

To obtain detailed information about the degree of lesions, a bronchoscopic examination is prescribed.

During the first twelve hours after injury, the airways swell and development occurs. Gradually, the burn leads to the formation of foci of inflammation in the airways, which requires urgent treatment.

Thermal damage to the lungs

A lung burn can be obtained during a fire in vehicles or living quarters. Such lesions usually occur under the influence of hot air and appear together with skin injuries and are accompanied by severe respiratory failure and death of the patient. During the first few hours, it is difficult to determine the clinical picture. Damage can be identified by several symptoms:

violation of consciousness;
dyspnea;
cyanosis of the skin;
traces of soot on the tongue and oral mucosa;
damage to the pharyngeal wall.

Thermal burns are dangerous as they can cause respiratory failure or acute lung damage. Treatment in these cases is carried out in special burn centers or in the intensive care units of the hospital.

Chemical damage to the respiratory system

Burns appear under the influence of chemicals. This can be the influence of alkalis, volatile oils, heavy metal salts, and various acids. Cyanides and carbohydrate oxide are highly toxic. Combustion of petroleum products, rubber, silk and nylon items is accompanied by the release of ammonia and polyvinyl chloride. These are sources of chlorine, hydrochloric acid, aldehyde.

These substances cause chemical burns of the respiratory tract. How severe this damage will be depends on the duration of exposure, the concentration and type of chemical, and temperature.

Aggressive agents, even at low concentrations, can cause lung burns.

Chemical damage is accompanied by a vivid clinical picture. At the same time, the patient suffers from severe pain, nausea, dizziness, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness. Treatment is carried out in a hospital.

As a result of a burn, lung function is impaired. This leads to a life-threatening condition - burn shock.

First aid for burns

In case of burns of the respiratory tract, it is important to provide the victim with assistance in time. This requires:

protect the patient from the influence of harmful substances and provide an influx of fresh air;
if the person has not lost consciousness, he needs to be given a half-sitting position so that his head is raised;
in an unconscious state, the patient should be put on one side so that in case of vomiting he does not choke on vomit;
for a burn with acids, treatment is carried out using rinsing with a solution of baking soda;
alkaline damage is eliminated with water with acetic or citric acid;
it is important to deliver the patient to a medical facility as soon as possible to continue treatment.

During transportation, it is necessary to monitor the state of breathing. If it stops, artificial respiration is performed. Only as a result of timely assistance, even with burns of the respiratory tract, can one expect a favorable prognosis.

Treatment methods

First of all, treatment for lesions of the respiratory system is carried out as follows:

an anesthetic is administered intravenously;
do face skin rinsing with cool water;
rinse your mouth with chilled boiled water;
in case of acute pain, the oral cavity is treated with a solution of novocaine or lidocaine;
put on the patient an oxygen mask and provide an influx of fresh air.

Depending on the type of injury, appropriate emergency care is provided. They also use general medical methods of treatment. They allow you to:

Get rid of laryngeal edema and provide normal air access.
Eliminate painful sensations and eliminate shock.
Ensure the outflow of mucous secretions from the bronchi and lungs, which is produced as a result of a burn.
Prevent the development of the inflammatory process in the lungs.
Avoid collapse of a specific part of the lung.

To alleviate the patient's condition, it is imperative to use anti-inflammatory, decongestant and analgesic treatment. In addition, for the complete restoration of damaged organs, the patient must be silent for two weeks and do inhalations.

Lung burns are treated with antibacterial drugs.

A good prognosis can be counted on with the timely treatment of first-degree burns. The larger the volume of the affected tissue, the worse the situation. Such burns often lead to the death of the patient.

Thermal burns occur when hot liquids are swallowed or hot gases are inhaled. A burn of the respiratory tract should be suspected in all cases when damage is received in a closed or semi-closed room (fire in a house, basement, transport, mines), if it is caused by steam, flame, explosion, when the victim's clothes burned.

At the moment of exposure to hot liquid or gas or immediately after it, the victim may develop a burn shock, while a direct reaction to a burn of the respiratory tract is laryngo- or bronchospasm. Already during the period of burn shock, severe respiratory failure may develop due to mechanical obstruction of the airways, bronchospasm and changes in the lung tissue. Violation of the drainage function of the airways, a decrease in the cough reflex and a restriction of respiratory excursions contribute to the accumulation of mucus, and then fibrinous exudate, which can completely close the lumen of the bronchi. In addition to the respiratory tract, lung tissue is involved in the process.

With the mildest burns (I degree), the patient does not show signs of respiratory failure, with II degree burns they occur 6-12 hours after injury, and with III degree burns - at the time of exposure to a hot liquid or gas. For burns of the first degree, only hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane within the upper respiratory tract is characteristic, with burns of the second degree, along with this, infiltration is noted, and in places that have been most severely affected, gray-white plaques. Bubbles on the mucous membrane are rarely formed [Tarasov D. and others, 1982]. With burns of the III degree, the mucous membrane is necrotic.

In the trachea and bronchi with thermal burns of the 1st degree, mild hyperemia and edema of the mucous membrane are mild, the spur of the tracheal bifurcation remains acute and mobile. In case of second-degree burns, pronounced hyperemia and edema with significant overlap of fibrinous films, which sometimes form "casts", are edematous and bifurcation spur. With severe third-degree burns, there is a lot of thick sputum and fibrinous films in the lumen of the trachea and bronchi. Ulceration often accompanies edema, but is not always easy to detect

The clinical picture with severe thermal burns of the respiratory tract is almost always alarming: aphonia, paroxysmal dyspnea, cyanosis, severe pain, salivation, cough, impaired swallowing. In case of flame burns, burning of hair on the eve of the nose, traces of soot on the mucous membranes, phlegm with an admixture of soot are determined.

The general condition may be disturbed or the body temperature rises. In the larynx, pathological changes are most pronounced in the area of its vestibule. Swelling of the laryngeal mucosa is the cause of stenosis, but it does not develop immediately, but over several hours.

Tracheostomy for burns of the upper respiratory tract is indicated only with respiratory decompensation caused by grade III-IV stenosis, and the absence of effect from conservative therapy, mechanical asphyxia and severe respiratory failure with extinction of the cough reflex. It is also produced for burns of the lower respiratory tract when exposed to flame on the face and neck, when their constant toilet is needed, comatose states of burned ones, the development of pneumonia and atelectasis in them.

Burns of the anterior surface of the neck, including grade III, are not a contraindication to performing this operation. A tracheostomy can be performed under both local and general anesthesia.

If with the help of aspiration through the tracheostomy it is not possible to free the lower respiratory tract from mucus, detritus and crusts, then sanitizing lower tracheobronchoscopy, sometimes endofibroscopy, is indicated.

The clinical manifestations of a burn of the respiratory tract also depend on the time elapsed since the moment of injury. So, the swelling of the larynx reaches a maximum after 6-12 hours. According to S. K. Boenko et al. (1983), on the 1st day after the burn, the victims complain of dry nose, perspiration and discomfort in the throat, pain when swallowing. At this time, a bright "dry" hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the nose, pharynx and larynx is usually noted.

On the 2-3rd day, hoarseness and difficulty in breathing may appear. Burns of the wings of the nose and lips, white spots of burn necrosis on the mucous membrane of the nose, soft palate, at the entrance to the larynx and in the area of the vocal folds are the most common signs of a severe burn, found during examination starting from 2-3 days after injury.

Emergency care is needed during the period of burn shock with severe respiratory failure. Bilateral vagosympathetic cervical block should be performed immediately. Intravenous prednisolone (30 mg 1-2 times a day), atropine (0.5-1 ml), adrenaline (0.2-0.3 ml) and other bronchodilators are also effective means of combating bronchospasm. They can also be administered by inhalation, slightly warming up beforehand.

For infusion therapy, a 0.1% solution of novocaine, polyglucin, plasma, albumin, as well as balanced solutions such as lactosol are used. The amount of liquid transfused per day should not exceed 3-3.5 liters, it must be introduced slowly. In addition, cardiac agents are periodically administered - strophanthin, cocarboxylase, ATP, etc. Osmotic diuretics are used to restore kidney function: mannitol, mannitol, urea. With a decrease in blood pressure, prednisolone, hydrocortisone and 40-60 mg of ascorbic acid per day are prescribed.

With the development of pulmonary edema, inhalation of oxygen passed through alcohol is indicated. Intravenously injected 10 mg of a 2.4% solution of aminophylline, 0.5 mg of a 0.05% solution of strophanthin (or 0.5-1 mg of a 0.06% solution of corglikon), 10 ml of a 10% solution of calcium chloride, 100-200 mg of hydrocortisone or 30-60 mg of prednisolone, 80 mg of lasix [Burmistrov VM et al., 1981].

However, in the absence of signs of burn shock, it is necessary to immediately begin intensive treatment - inhalation of oxygen, administration of antispasmodics, inhalation of 0.5% novocaine solution and 4% sodium bicarbonate solution. As a matter of emergency, the elimination of pain and the elimination of psychoemotional arousal are shown. For this purpose, mask anesthesia with nitrous oxide with oxygen in a ratio of 2: 1 can be given for 15-30 minutes. Intravenously, 2 mg of a 2% solution of promedol and 2 ml of a 1% solution of diphenhydramine are injected.

Inhalation therapy is of great importance, for example, they recommend inhalations of the following composition: 10 ml of a 0.25% solution of novocaine +1 ml of a 2.4% solution of aminophylline + 0.5 ml of a 5% solution of ephedrine +1 ml of a 1% solution of diphenhydramine, to which is added 0.5 g sodium bicarbonate.

Then, cold is prescribed to the neck, swallowing pieces of ice and oils (fish oil), intravenous administration of 10-20% glucose solution, plasma, hemodez, Ringer's solution or isotonic sodium chloride solution. At present, the use of corticosteroid drugs in large doses, up to 15-20 mg of hydrocortisone per 1 kg of body weight, is also considered mandatory. Antibiotics are prescribed at the same time.

Topically for applications on the burnt mucous membrane of the oral cavity and pharynx, you can use cygerol, carotolin, retinol, proposol spray. Enteral nutrition is allowed from the 2-3rd day, at first after rinsing with 5% novocaine solution or taking anesthesin. Food in the early days should be liquid and not hot.

Thermal burns of the esophagus can result from swallowing hot liquid, so they are accompanied by a similar burn to the mouth and throat. In the mouth and throat, the burn is always more pronounced than in the esophagus. In this regard, the treatment of these burns does not differ from that for the defeat of the pharynx and larynx. Topically applied medicinal substances are recommended to be swallowed whenever possible.

IN. Kalina, F.I. Chumakov

A burn of the respiratory tract is an injury that involves damage to the mucous membrane of the respiratory system. It occurs as a result of high temperature vaporization, aggressive chemical elements, unfavorable vapors and smoke entering it.

Classification

Respiratory tract burns are of two types:

chemical (in case of interaction with negative and hazardous chemical reagents);
thermal (when exposed to high temperatures).

During such damage, the following respiratory organs are at risk:

lungs and bronchi. Inhalation of aggressive fumes of chemical or thermal origin becomes the cause of such injury. Hyperemia occurs, mucus accumulates inside the lungs and provokes the development of respiratory failure;
larynx area. Occurs due to the ingestion of excessively hot substances or hazardous chemicals. The ability to swallow worsens, sputum appears, containing pus and bloody discharge;
pharynx. Damage to this area occurs for the same reason as injury to the larynx. The swallowing procedure is accompanied by painful sensations, swelling of the affected area occurs. With more severe injuries, a specific white plaque forms, and after it disappears, manifestations of small erosions remain in its place;
trachea. Its defeat most often occurs during fires. Respiratory failure appears, cyanosis develops, the swallowing procedure becomes impossible, there is a feeling of shortness of breath, suffocation, and an unhealthy cough also appears.

Symptoms

Symptoms that help diagnose an upper respiratory tract burn:

the occurrence of strong pain sensations, which are significantly increased with a sharp sigh;
swelling of the affected areas;
pain syndrome spreads to the chest and throat area;
the work of the breathing apparatus is significantly deteriorating;
the general state of human health is deteriorating;
body temperature after injury exceeds the norm.

First aid

A very important element in the forthcoming treatment tactics is the correct and timely provision of primary health care.

At the first stage of first aid, it is necessary to get rid of the negative focus, which provokes the occurrence of damage to the respiratory tract. If intolerable pain is present, provide the victim with a non-narcotic pain reliever. At the next stage, it is necessary to reimburse the victim with the required amount of fresh air. To do this, try to take him outside or on the balcony (if he is indoors). If the injured person is in a conscious state - provide him with a reclining position of the body, if he fainted when he received a burn - gently lay him on his side, slightly raising his head above the level of the body. Monitor the victim's breathing.

If you notice that he has stopped breathing, then this means that you need to immediately perform artificial respiration. After the above manipulations are done, call qualified medical workers or go to the nearest medical institution yourself to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a high-quality and most effective, in your case, treatment.

Therapeutic tactics

The primary series of therapeutic measures if a thermal or chemical burn of the respiratory tract has occurred:

an analgesic injection is given;
the skin of the face is thoroughly washed with running water;
with severe manifestations of pain, the oral cavity is treated with a strong anesthetic solution (novocaine or lidocaine);
a specialized oxygen mask is put on the injured person, which provides the required amount of moist air.

After the above manipulations, the doctor conducts a thorough examination of the victim, finding out the severity of the injury, as well as the nature and current cause of the burn. After studying the results of the diagnosis, a qualified doctor, individually for each, prescribes the most effective method of therapy.

All therapeutic measures are aimed at:

the fastest possible elimination of laryngeal edema and ensuring the correct supply of oxygen;
elimination of the resulting shock and pain;
removal of bronchospasm formed after injury;
ensuring the discharge from the bronchi and lungs of a specialized transparent liquid;
preventing the possible development of pneumonia;
prevention of atelectasis of the lungs.

With the above tasks, pharmacological preparations that will be prescribed by your attending physician will perfectly cope.

An upper respiratory tract burn is damage to the mucous surface of the respiratory system resulting from exposure to chemicals, vapors, high temperatures, hot steam or smoke. Clinical characteristics depend on the area and depth of the lesion, the well-being of the victim, as well as on the quality of the first aid provided.

The causes of burn injury to the respiratory tract are very diverse. For example, hot metals, flames, boiling water, steam, hot air, or pesticides can cause injury.

Symptoms

A burn of the respiratory tract is accompanied by damage to the face, neck and head.

Symptoms of these lesions are:

burns to the skin of the face or neck;
burnt hairs in the nasal cavity;
soot on the tongue or palate;
necrosis in the form of spots on the oral mucosa;
swelling of the nasopharynx;
hoarse voice;
manifestation of pain when swallowing;
difficulty breathing;
the appearance of a dry cough.

These are just external signs of a burn. To establish a complete clinical picture, it is necessary to conduct additional medical research:

bronchoscopy;
laryngoscopy;
broncho-fibroscopy.

Varieties

A burn of the upper respiratory tract is:

chemical;
thermal.

Chemical burn... The depth and severity of such an injury depends on the concentration, characteristics and temperature of the hazardous substance, as well as the duration of its effect on the respiratory system. The following chemicals can be used as chemical reagents:

acid;
alkali;
chlorine;
hot metal alloy;
concentrated salt.

Such damage can be accompanied by tissue necrosis of the respiratory tract and the appearance of a scab.... There is also paroxysmal shortness of breath and cough, burning sensation and redness in the mouth.

Thermal damage occurs when hot liquids and steam are swallowed. Such an injury destroys the lung tissue, disrupts the process of blood circulation in the airways, leads to their swelling and inflammation. The victims often experience a state of shock, bronchospasm develops.

Features of the classification

Burn injuries of the respiratory tract are classified into specific groups:

Burns of the lungs and bronchi. Occurs after inhalation of hot air, steam, or smoke. Hyperemia develops, the bronchi cannot retain internal moisture, mucus accumulates in the lungs. This provokes respiratory failure, severe swelling and burn shock. Inhaled corrosive smoke can cause not only thermal, but also serious chemical burns, which poses a great danger to the body.
Burn of the larynx. Occurs after ingestion of boiling liquids, food, or exposure to hot vapors. Such injuries are much more severe when compared to burn injuries of the pharynx, since the epiglottis, its folds and cartilage are affected. Swallowing disorder is observed, every sip is accompanied by pain. Purulent sputum with blood impurities may appear.
Burn of the throat. It also occurs (like injury to the larynx) after swallowing boiling liquids, food, or hot vapors. With slight damage, there is swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa and painful swallowing. In more difficult situations, bubbles and white bloom appear, which disappear after 5-7 days, leaving behind erosion. Swallowing disorder in such cases lasts up to 2 weeks.
In most cases it occurs during fires. Respiratory failure, cyanosis, swallowing disorder, shortness of breath and cough are observed. At the same time, the thermal form of such an injury is rarely observed, since the human body has the ability to involuntarily contract the muscles of the larynx, causing a tight closure of the glottis.

First aid

In case of a burn injury of the respiratory tract, it is important to provide first aid to the victim as soon as possible. Such events are carried out in a certain sequence:

The victim is transferred from the room with an active damaging agent in order to fully provide him with access to fresh air.
If the patient is conscious, it is necessary to give him a reclining position, raising his head.
In case of loss of consciousness, the victim should lie on his side so as not to choke during vomiting.
The mouth and throat are rinsed with water, adding a small amount of novocaine or another agent that has an anesthetic effect.
If the burn is caused by acid, mix a small amount of baking soda in the water.
If the acting reagent is alkali, rinsing is carried out with water with the addition of acid (acetic or citric is suitable).
After providing such emergency care, you should call the ambulance team or take the patient yourself to the nearest medical institution.
It is important to check the victim's breathing during transport. If it stops, artificial respiration should be given immediately.

Treatment

Treatment of burn injuries of a chemical or thermal nature is carried out using a similar technique.

The purpose of such therapeutic actions is:

eliminate swelling of the larynx, ensure the normal functioning of the respiratory tract;
prevent or eliminate shock and pain syndrome;
relieve bronchial spasms;
facilitate the exit of accumulated mucus from the bronchi;
prevent the development of pneumonia;
prevent impaired pulmonary respiration.

During treatment, in most cases, drugs of the following groups are prescribed:

Pain relievers:

Promedol;
Bupranal;
Prosidol.

Anti-inflammatory:

Ketorolac;
Ibuprofen;

Decongestants:

Lasix;
Trifas;
Diakarb.

Desensitizing:

Diphenhydramine;
Diazolin;
Diprazine.

Additional methods of the treatment process are:

complete silence of the victim for 10-14 days, so as not to injure the ligaments;
inhalations.

A burn of the respiratory tract is a complex injury that requires timely provision of first aid and further prescription of a restorative treatment process. Such measures will help speed up recovery and prevent respiratory problems.

A burn of the upper respiratory tract is severe damage to the mucous membrane that occurs when very hot steam or harsh chemicals are inhaled. This injury can be caused by high voltage or radiation. All burns of the respiratory organs are divided into chemical and thermal. In both cases, the patient needs to be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent the development of serious complications.

Causes

Most of the burns of the respiratory tract occur during the war. This is due to the fact that during this period, explosives, various combustible mixtures and dangerous thermal weapons are used.

In a domestic environment, such respiratory tract injuries are rare.... Such pathologies are diagnosed in only 1% of all diagnosed burns. Respiratory tract burns can be obtained under the following conditions:

When chemicals evaporate.
At high ambient temperatures.

The most serious injuries are of a mixed nature, which were caused by cumulative factors.

Chemical damage is mainly obtained in industrial conditions, when containers with chemical components are damaged. In case of sudden inhalation of chemical vapors, respiratory tract burns are possible. You can get a burn of the respiratory tract even in case of a severe fire. When plastic or other materials that emit corrosive smoke are burning, damage to the mucous membranes cannot be avoided.

Thermal burns can be quickly obtained by inhaling excessively hot steam or excessively hot air. Sometimes thermal damage is caused by inhalation of flames.

The severity of burns varies. It depends on the duration of the impact of the projectile and the temperature value.

Symptoms

Signs of thermal or chemical burns appear immediately, as soon as the damaging factor has acted. Such injuries can be suspected in such cases:

If there is a fire in a home, at an enterprise or in a transport.
In the case when a person even for a short time was in contact with an open fire.
In case of man-made disasters, when there is a large-scale spill of chemical reagents.

If the upper respiratory organs are burned, then there is a pain in the throat and sternum. The painful sensations are greatly intensified if a person tries to inhale, so breathing is intermittent. With significant damage to the mucous membrane, the temperature may rise.

Along with burns of the respiratory tract, the victim always has head, neck and face injuries. A burn of the lungs or upper respiratory organs can be suspected based on the following symptoms:

The person's neck and front part of the body are burnt.
On examination, you can see burnt hairs inside the nose.
The victim has soot in the mouth.
There is a strong swelling of the nasopharynx, which leads to a change in voice.
A person cannot normally swallow not only food, but also water.
The patient coughs all the time.

Determine the complete picture of tissue damage can only be based on the results obtained during the examination.

In the first hours after the injury, the victim has a strong swelling of the respiratory organs and bronchospasm, after a while, foci of inflammation develop in the bronchi and lungs.

Chemical burn

Inhalation of vapors of alkalis, acids, molten metals and concentrated salt solutions leads to a chemical burn of the upper respiratory tract and lungs. The level of soft tissue damage directly depends on the type of substances and the total duration of exposure.

Acid

Most often, vapors of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid lead to burns of the respiratory tract. They lead to the appearance of a grayish scab. If it was caused by hydrochloric acid, then the scab will have a turquoise tint, if the cause of the injury is sulfuric acid, then the scab will be green.

It is worth remembering that any acid burns pose a great danger to human life.

If the respiratory tract is damaged by acids, first aid consists in flushing the larynx with cold water. It is impractical to add any components to the rinsing water ... Further treatment is identical to the usual treatment for all burns of the respiratory tract.

Chlorine burn

If there was a chlorine leak in the production area, then people need to leave the contaminated area as soon as possible. With the defeat of chlorine vapor, the patient has shortness of breath, paroxysmal cough and swelling of the nasopharynx.

If a person has been in a room with spilled chlorine for some time, then he is taken out into the fresh air and an ambulance is urgently called.

First aid for poisoning with chlorine vapors is provided in the following sequence:

Wash the victim's face, mouth and eyes with a weak solution of baking soda.
A drop of vegetable oil is instilled into the eyes, you can take olive oil, but if it is not there, then sunflower oil will do.
If the victim suffers from severe pain, then before the arrival of an ambulance, one injection of Analgin can be given.

The person assisting the victim must be extremely careful. All manipulations are carried out in sterile medical gloves and a sterile medical mask.

The arriving doctor is told all the details of the injury and told what medications were used in the provision of assistance.

Thermal burn

A thermal burn is obtained when a hot drink is swallowed or the vapor is suddenly inhaled. Usually, the victim immediately develops a shock state and breathing is disturbed. In addition to the upper respiratory tract, bronchi and lungs are often affected. With a thermal burn, blood circulation is disrupted and severe inflammation of the soft tissues develops.

In case of thermal damage, it is very important to provide timely assistance to the victim. Not only a person's health depends on this, but also his life. The algorithm for providing assistance is as follows:

The person is taken to fresh air or to a safe place.
The patient's mouth is washed with clean water, after which a glass of cool water is given to drink.
Call a doctor.

If there is such an opportunity, then an oxygen mask is put on the patient and his health is monitored until the doctor arrives.

Treatment

All respiratory tract injuries of this type are treated symptomatically. If the patient's condition is not very severe, then oxygen masks, laryngeal irrigation and injections of pain medications are used. In a serious condition, hormonal drugs may be included in the treatment.

The victim is constantly connected to devices that monitor his life. If the patient is breathing heavily or the work of the heart is deteriorating, then resuscitation measures are resorted to.

In very severe cases, with a burn of the respiratory tract, they resort to surgical intervention.

Respiratory tract burns can be caused by fires and industrial accidents. Injuries caused by acid vapors are especially dangerous for people. In this case, the soft tissues are deeply affected with the formation of scabs. With these types of injuries, timely assistance is very important.

Content of the article: classList.toggle () "> expand

One of the most severe types of chemical or thermal burns is pathological damage to soft tissues and other structures of the respiratory tract. What first aid can be given to the victim? How severe are these burns? What to do with a minor burn? You will read about this and much more in our article.

Respiratory tract burns at home are usually associated with attempts to organize inhalation procedures based on various popular recipes using hot steam. Situations associated with fires, combustion of toxic substances and other force majeure events are much more dangerous - a person who is in the affected area runs the risk of severe damage to soft tissues and burns of the respiratory tract, including the lungs, with poisonous vapors.

First aid for burns

Possible primary actions prior to the arrival of an ambulance team called to the scene include:

Removal of the victim from the direct affected area. This procedure must be carried out in compliance with safety standards using personal protective equipment, including for the person providing assistance;
Providing fresh air supply. The victim must be placed in clean fresh air, if possible, unbuttoning the constraining collar, removing the tie, jewelry on the neck, and so on;
Giving appropriate poses and condition monitoring. A person is planted in a reclining position and must be observed for the presence of consciousness. The victim is prohibited from eating food and any drinks except clean water;
Cooling and processing... These measures can be carried out only if the upper respiratory tract (URT), which includes the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx and oral cavity, is burned.
If the larynx, bronchi, lungs, trachea are affected by the pathological process, there is no physical possibility of cooling them at home.
The above-mentioned elements of the respiratory system related to the VAR should be flushed for 15-20 minutes with a stream of cold liquid in case of a thermal type of damage. In the event of a chemical burn, it is forbidden to use water if sulfuric acid or quicklime acts as a pathological agent, since there are risks of developing a rapid secondary thermal reaction. Acid damage is neutralized with 2% bicarbonate solution. It is better to stop alkaline burns with a 1% solution of acetic or citric acid;
Resuscitation aid. In the absence of breathing, manual resuscitation is immediately started.

The severity of the burn injury

In general, burns can be thermal and chemical. The former are caused by hot air, open flame, steam, gas or smoke entering the corresponding structures.

In the second case, various chemicals act as a pathological agent., including acidic, alkaline, phosphoric and so on. A complex pathological process is quite often observed, for example, in the event of a man-made accident, fire, and so on, when high temperatures are combined with the action of chemical reagents.

Burns are distinguished by the area of the lesion and the depth of penetration. They are combined into a general gradation in terms of severity:

First degree. The burn often affects the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and the upper layer of the epidermis. Symptoms include hyperemia of the mucous membranes, scattered wheezing in the lungs without changing the voice. At later stages, pneumonia appears;
Second and third degree. Severe and extremely serious condition. The burn affects the middle and deep layers of soft tissues, and a large-scale edema of the mucous membranes is formed. The victim's voice is hoarse or practically absent. Difficulty breathing is accompanied by wheezing, shortness of breath, acute emphysema, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cyanosis of nearby skin, swelling of veins in the neck and head. The deterioration of the condition occurs in several stages, usually on the second and even the third day of the lactation period;
4 degree. It is accompanied by large-scale necrosis of structures almost always cause death due to the disappearance of breathing and disruption of the lungs.

Causes of the pathological process

A burn of the respiratory system is formed due to the following circumstances:

Swallowing liquid or food that is too hot. The burn is formed mainly in the larynx and pharynx;
Being in the danger zone of fire. The entire respiratory system is affected, including the trachea, which is usually immune to such pathological processes due to the involuntary contraction of the internal muscles and the closure of the glottis;
Inhalation of hot steam, air and smoke. The bronchi and lungs are most often affected;
Inhalation of vapors of potentially hazardous substances. It can occur both at home and in a production environment. It is accompanied by additional pathological symptoms, including dizziness, cyanosis of the skin, sometimes neurological disorders, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and other manifestations due to the action of a specific chemical compound.

The symptomatology of the pathological process depends on the location of the damage and its severity. Common symptoms of upper burn and lower respiratory tract:

Heavy, intermittent breathing;
Damage to the skin and external mucous membranes in the face area;
Voice change;
Violent hacking dry cough;
Choking attacks, severe pain syndrome.

Such signs are typical for burns of both the upper and lower respiratory tract of mild to moderate severity. With a severe stage of thermal or chemical burns of the respiratory tract, including the lungs the following symptoms are possible:

Profuse serous nasal discharge, saliva with soot;
Vomiting with impurities of blood and necrotic particles of the epithelium, mucous membranes;
Impaired consciousness, neurological manifestations associated with severe respiratory failure;
Partial or complete disappearance of breathing.

Unlike burns of the skin, the corresponding damage to the respiratory tract is practically impossible to examine externally, as well as to identify the exact degree of severity and extent of the development of the pathological process.

If a burn of any department and severity is suspected, the patient should be hospitalized in a hospital, where he undergoes complex diagnostics, including laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy and fibrobronchoscopy.

For chemical and thermal burns of the upper and lower respiratory tract, the treatment regimen is identical, with the exception of the first prehospital stage, within which the possible primary neutralization of the main damaging factor is carried out (for chemical burns, this can be acid, alkali, phosphorus, chlorine, heavy metal salts, etc. connections).

Drug therapy

The use of any medication within the framework of conservative therapy, auxiliary procedures, is carried out under the supervision of a combustiologist and other specialized specialists who treat a person in a hospital setting. In general, the scheme looks like this:

Providing rest and bed rest. Throughout the entire period of treatment, the patient adheres to strict bed rest and silence;
Anti-shock therapy. It is prescribed for severe burns. Within its framework, inhalation of humidified oxygen, anesthesia with agonists of the morphine group, infusion therapy using polyglucin, glucose and Ringer-Locke solutions, as well as ionotropic support with dopamine, dobutamine, heparin, and fraxiparin are carried out;
Cervical vagosympathetic blockade. It is performed through a burn wound or the outer part of the neck. Designed for systemic long-term anesthesia to reduce the need for regular use of narcotic pain relievers;

Organoprotection. To weaken the reactive stage of the pathological process, to protect the vascular walls in problem localization, intravenous administration of glucocorticosteroids, diuretics, ascorbic acid and a polarizing mixture is prescribed. As a supplement, perftoran is used, which is a blood substitute with a pronounced gas transport function;
Secondary treatment. After stabilization of hemodynamics, restoration of circulating blood volume and diuresis, partial removal of the inflammatory process of the mucous membranes, a wide range of drugs is used, from antibiotics to reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections to the introduction of succinic acid into the body, allowing to reduce toxic metabolic acidosis, stabilize mitochondrial function, induce synthesis proteins;
Other activities. Assisted aerosol inhalation therapy, intubation, tracheotomy for asphyxia, oxygen therapy outside the framework of anti-shock measures, and so on.

Folk methods

Before use, be sure to consult with your doctor. Known recipes for burns:

Egg. Take one fresh egg, separate the protein, add half a glass of water to it, then mix thoroughly and use in small sips for 10 minutes, distributing the liquid over the mouth. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day for 7 days;

Traditional medicine recipes can only be used for mild burns of the upper respiratory tract associated with minor damage to the palate and throat.

Fermented milk products. Drink more milk, eat sour cream, introduce kefir and whey into the diet;
Honey. After the end of the acute phase of the pathological process, regularly consume a small amount of natural bee honey. Slowly dissolve one tablespoon of the product for 10-15 minutes, repeating the procedure 2 times a day for a week.

Possible consequences

Burns provoke the development of serious pathological consequences already in the medium term. The most typical and well-known are:

Damage to the vocal cords, up to a complete loss of voice;
Development of pulmonary emphysema;
Development of pulmonary, heart or renal failure;
Prolonged pneumonia and infectious local diseases;
Fibrin-necrotic internal damage to the respiratory system, leading to death.

Preventive measures

The list of basic preventive measures includes:

Complete rehabilitation measures after treatment, aimed at preventing the development of complications. They include physiotherapy, exercise therapy, stay in the fresh air, a gentle diet, providing the diet with a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins;
Leading a healthy lifestyle with smoking and alcohol cessation;
Compliance with safety standards when in close proximity to potentially dangerous sources of hot air, chemical compounds, and so on;
Refusal from alternative medicine, involving the use of hot inhalation;
Other actions as required.

A burn of the upper respiratory tract is tissue damage that is caused by exposure to high temperatures, chemicals, electric current, and radiation.

Burn injuries of the respiratory tract are divided into thermal and chemical. In either case, it is important to provide the victim with primary care in a timely manner in order to protect him from the development of subsequent complications.

The causes of burns in the respiratory tract are very diverse, in particular, injuries occur as a result of exposure to hot metals, flame, boiling water, steam, hot air, and pesticides.

Symptoms

Together with a burn of the respiratory tract, the victim is traumatized to the face, neck, head. Symptoms of such damage are:

burns to the neck and face of the body;
the formation of burnt hairs in the nose;
the presence of soot on the palate and tongue;
necrotic spots on the oral mucosa;
swelling of the nasopharynx;
hoarseness of voice;
a feeling of soreness when swallowing;
dry cough;
labored breathing.

A complete picture of the injuries received can be observed only after medical research (Broncho-fibroscopy).

In the first 12 hours after receiving a burn, the victim has airway edema and bronchospasm, and subsequently, the development of zones of inflammation in the lungs and in the airways occurs.

First aid and treatment

A burn of the upper respiratory tract requires timely intervention, the sooner primary care is provided to the victim, the greater complications can be avoided.

Various degrees of injury require certain actions, but most often respiratory tract burns occur as a result of fire or the spread of chemicals through the air, so first aid is as follows:

Eliminate the impact of the aggressor on the victim (take him out of the trauma zone).
Provide the victim with an adequate flow of fresh air.
If the victim is conscious, then give him a reclining position of the body.
If the victim is unconscious, then he must be put on his side, but his head must be in an elevated position relative to the body.
Call an ambulance and take him to a medical facility as soon as possible.
Carefully monitor whether the victim is breathing on his own, if there is no breathing, then give him artificial respiration.

The first therapeutic actions for a burn victim of the upper respiratory tract are:

give an injection with an anesthetic;
rinse your face with cool water;
rinse the victim's mouth area with cool boiled water;
in case of acute pain in the victim, treat the oral cavity with any anesthetic (solution of novocaine or lidocaine);
put on an oxygen mask on the victim and provide a flow of humidified oxygen air.

Depending on the type of burn of the respiratory tract (thermal or chemical), appropriate emergency procedures are performed. General drug therapy for such injuries is aimed at:

elimination of swelling of the larynx and ensuring normal air access;
elimination of shock and pain syndrome;
removal of the resulting damage to bronchospasm;
ensuring the outflow from the bronchi and lungs of the produced mucous secretion resulting from a burn;
prevention of pneumonia formation;
prevention of pulmonary atelectasis.

The victim must receive anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-edema treatment. Concomitant treatments are:

complete silence of the patient for 2 weeks;
the use of inhalation.

At the first signs of lung burn injury, the patient is treated with antibiotics.

Chemical burns of the respiratory tract

A burn of the upper respiratory tract as a result of chemical exposure to various reagents is called a chemical burn. Acids, alkalis, hot metal alloys, concentrated salts can act as chemical reagents. The depth of tissue damage during a chemical burn depends on the concentration and temperature of the substance, on the duration of the pathogenic contact, on the nature of the substance.

Acid burn

Most often, a burn of the respiratory tract occurs as a result of exposure to sulfuric and hydrochloric acid. As a result of the interaction of a chemical substance in the respiratory tract of the victim, tissue necrosis occurs with the formation of a dark gray scab. When hydrochloric acid interacts, the scab acquires a sapphire color, and when interacting with acetic acid, it becomes green. Almost all acid burns are serious and life-threatening.

First aid for acid burns consists in flushing the laryngeal cavity with running water. It is not advisable to use any other neutralizing substance. Washing with water requires a duration of the procedure, about 20 minutes. Follow-up treatment is similar to general treatment for airway burns.

Chlorine burn

Chlorine is a very toxic substance, therefore, in case of a chlorine burn, the victim should be immediately removed from the room where the harmful substance has leaked.

The first signs of a chlorine burn are: burning and swelling of the oral mucosa, redness in the mouth, the formation of paroxysmal cough and shortness of breath.

After a traumatic incident, it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance, but the primary care for the victim is as follows:

rinse the eyes, nose and mouth of the victim with a 2% solution of baking soda;
drip a drop of olive oil into the eyes;
with severe painful sensations, inject an anesthetic in the form of an injection;
to prevent the spread of infection in the eyes of the victim, synthomycin ointment is instilled.

When providing first aid to the victim, it is important to observe safety measures and caution, all actions must be carried out only with rubber gloves and use a sterile bandage on the mouth and special goggles.

Thermal burn of the respiratory tract

A burn of the respiratory tract of thermal origin occurs as a result of ingestion of steam, hot liquids, etc. As a rule, immediately after exposure to high temperatures on the victim, the latter experiences a shock state and bronchospasm is formed. Often, in addition to the respiratory tract, lung tissue is also damaged. Thermal burns can cause swelling, inflammation, damage to the skin, and poor circulation.

Steam burn

Incorrect handling during a steam burn can lead to worse consequences. Timely first aid provided to the victim will help to avoid negative health consequences and speed up the recovery process.

First aid for a steam burn is as follows:

eliminate the effect of steam on the victim;
rinse the mouth with cool water, give the victim to drink cool water;
if possible, put an oxygen mask on the victim;
call an ambulance.

Typical subdivision

All damage of this type is divided into:

chemical - as a result of direct contact with the reagent;
thermal - under the influence of high temperatures of solid objects, liquid or vapor.

Let's consider each type in more detail:

chemical damage can be provoked by acids, chlorine-containing elements, alkaline assets, salt concentrate.
the provoking factor of thermal burns is hot liquid or steam from it, overheated food and the like (sometimes bronchial spasm develops, which significantly worsens the patient's condition).

Localized classification

Burns of the respiratory tract, depending on the area of damage, or rather its location, are divided into:

Lungs and bronchus - most often of the thermal type, are accompanied by an accumulation of mucus, which significantly complicates the breathing process. As a result, pulmonary failure often develops. When smoke is inhaled, not only thermal, but also chemical burns of the respiratory tract are characteristic, especially dangerous for human life and health.
Laryngeal is a typical injury that occurs after swallowing hot liquids or food. This type of injury poses a much greater danger than similar burns to the oral cavity. A side effect is purulent formations.
Pharyngeal - a burn of the respiratory tract is almost completely similar to the previous type in clinical manifestations. In addition to everything, blistering and plaque may appear.
Tracheal - accompanied by acute pain, sometimes shortness of breath and problems with natural ventilation as a result of involuntary contraction of the epithelial vocal canal.

First aid

All measures for the provision of first aid should be provided in a strictly defined sequence.

Let's consider the order step by step:

limit contact of the victim with the irritant;
provide free access to oxygen;
the person should take a horizontal position (head is raised);
the oral cavity should be rinsed with plenty of water (you can dissolve analgin or chloramphenicol in it);
if there was contact with acid, a few grams of soda is added to the water, and in case of alkaline damage - a little acetic acid;
then call an ambulance;
when transporting yourself, monitor the patient's respiratory activity (check the mouth for secretions, if necessary, perform artificial respiration).

Treatment

For any type of burn, experts strive to achieve the following goals:

reduce and completely eliminate edema;
normalize the breathing process;
relieve pain and spasm;
prevent pulmonary insufficiency and pneumonia.

To perform health improvement, medications of different pharmacological groups are assigned:

pain relievers - Panadol, Promedol, Ibuprofen, Prosidol;
antibacterial - Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Ketorolac;
to eliminate edema - Lasix, Diakrab;
as a supplement - Diphenhydramine, Diazolin.

To speed up the rehabilitation process, special hardware inhalations (with cold steam) are prescribed.

Conclusion

Self-treatment does not always lead to positive results. Not all information on the global network is accurate and fully describes the treatment process. It is best to visit a qualified specialist and not ignore the pain symptoms. Otherwise, inflammation and even necrosis may develop.

You can prevent unpleasant situations if you carefully check the liquid before use. Try not to swallow hot food and keep reagents away from children. Elementary safety rules, if followed, will save the lives of you and your loved ones.

When a chemical agent acts on the mucous membrane, skin and tissues, damage begins to occur, which leads to the appearance of chemical burns. The main substances that cause damage are acids, alkalis, heavy metal salts and volatile oils.

The severity of lesions in a chemical burn depends on how concentrated the substance was and how long it was exposed to the person. The impact will be more pronounced if the solutions are concentrated, but even weakly concentrated substances with prolonged exposure can lead to chemical burn the lungs.

The clinical picture and severity of chemical burns of the lungs.

The depth of damage to any burns can be different and it is not very easy to determine it. The characteristic symptom is severe pain that appears immediately after the injury. All burns are divided into four degrees of severity.

The clinical picture with a chemical burn, including chemical burns of the lungs, not as pronounced as with thermal damage. For post-burn disease, phenomena are characteristic that are observed only with chemical damage.

Manifestation with chemical burn:

Acute burn toxemia, burn shock, septicotoxemia, convalescence.

With chemical burns of the lungs, deaths are not so common. It depends on the nature of the action of the substance. For example, under the influence of concentrated acids, rapid and sharp dehydration of tissues and protein breakdown begins to occur. Sulfuric acid affects the appearance of a white scab, which turns blue, and later black. Alkalis penetrate much deeper, but they act more slowly than acids. Caustic alkalis dissolve proteins and saponify fats.

Consequences and symptoms of chemical burns of the lungs.

External chemical burns can lead to skin changes: increased moisture, discoloration, redness and inflammation of the affected area. In this case, the tissues swell, the person feels pain.

Inhalation of smoke and certain substances lead to chemical burns of the lungs and respiratory tract. People who have suffered a chemical burn of the lungs often lose consciousness and have difficulty breathing. In this case, the normal functioning of the lungs is disrupted, and if the injured person does not receive timely treatment, then respiratory distress syndrome may begin to develop, which is life-threatening for the victim.

Symptoms of a chemical burn to the lung.

Nausea, dizziness, laryngeal edema, chest pain, shortness of breath are the main symptoms of a chemical burn of the lungs.

If such symptoms appear, then you need to call an ambulance. First of all, doctors restore blood circulation and breathing to the injured person, and also relieve pain.

It should be borne in mind that the stronger the chemical burns of the lungs, the greater the risk of developing shock. But chemical burns do not cause as much damage as other injuries.

A burn of the respiratory tract is damage to the mucous tissues of the respiratory organs, which develops at the moment of inhalation of a damaging agent: steam, chemical fumes, hot smoke, etc. ...

ICD-10 code

T27.3 Thermal burn of respiratory tract, unspecified

T27.7Corrosion of respiratory tract, unspecified

Epidemiology

The greatest number of cases of burns of the respiratory tract was observed during the wars: during these periods, the frequency of thermal injuries increased significantly, from 0.3% to 1.5% of the total number of victims. This is due to the massive use of explosives, combustible mixtures and thermal weapons.

In modern times, the frequency of burns, unfortunately, is increasing. For example, only in Israel, as a result of military conflicts, burn injuries ranged from 5% to 9%. When using tanks and motorized vehicles, the percentage can be increased to 20-40%.

In domestic conditions, the number of burns in the respiratory tract is much lower and is less than 1% of all burn cases.

Causes of respiratory tract burn

A burn of the respiratory system can be triggered by:

chemical fumes;
high temperature.

The most severe are mixed burns caused by a combination of chemical and thermal exposure.

Chemical burns can be obtained at work in case of accidental damage to containers with evaporating liquid. Breathing in such fumes often results in internal tissue damage. In addition, acrid smoke can be inhaled during a fire. If such smoke contains phosgene, hydrocyanic or nitrous acid, or other toxic substances, then a respiratory burn is inevitable.

Thermal injury to the respiratory system is observed when hot steam or air is inhaled, or even flames.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of a burn of the respiratory tract consists in thermal or chemical destruction of mucous and submucous tissues with a violation of their function. The degree of damage can be different, depending on the temperature and duration of exposure, on the depth of inhalation when a damaging agent enters. If the burn is significant, then deep tissue necrosis can occur, which can cover several layers.

Burn damage is often accompanied by an inflammatory process, with impaired vascular permeability and edema, which further complicates the respiratory function.

Airway burn symptoms

The first signs of a burn of the respiratory system appear immediately after exposure to a damaging factor. The presence of a burn may be indicated by circumstances such as a fire in an apartment, utility room, mine, in transport, as well as short-term exposure to steam or open fire (especially if there is a burn to the chest, neck or facial area at the same time).

A burn of the upper respiratory tract is accompanied by a sharp soreness in the pharynx and chest. The pain increases when trying to inhale, so breathing is difficult. The body temperature may rise.

Visually, you can detect damage to the skin in the area of the lips, and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity are swollen and hyperemic. In severe cases, as a result of damage to the outer laryngeal ring, laryngeal stenosis and suffocation can develop.

Burn stages

Symptoms

Complications

Cyanosis

Wheezing in the lungs

Respiratory heart failure

Pneumonia

Stage I (burns of the oral mucosa, epiglottis, larynx).

Stage II (burn injury of II and III degrees of the respiratory system).

It rarely happens.

Strongly expressed.

Indistinct, dry wheezing.

A large number of dry wheezing, which after 2-3 days become wet and turn into crepitus.

Uncharacteristic.

Frequent dry cough, phlegm is released from 2-3 days. The voice is hoarse, aphonia is possible.

Often occurs on days 2-3.

Occasionally, it has a favorable course.

It develops in almost all cases. The current is heavy.

Forms

Depending on which factor caused the damage to the respiratory system, various types of such injuries are distinguished. All of them differ, first of all, in clinical symptoms.

A chemical burn of the respiratory tract can be suspected with the simultaneous presence of chemical damage to the skin of the neck, face, chest, and in the oral cavity. The victim often has breathing problems, his voice changes, bloody vomiting appears, cough with dirty discharge.
A chlorine burn of the respiratory tract is accompanied by a sharp burning sensation in the throat, nasal cavity and behind the sternum. At the same time, lacrimation, severe frequent cough and toxic rhinitis can be observed. The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract remains irritated for several days after the cessation of the action of the damaging factor.
A burn of the respiratory tract with acid can be determined by the condition of the posterior pharyngeal wall. In most cases, the mucous membrane on it first turns white or yellow, then becomes dirty green and then almost black. A crust forms on the surface, which bleeds when rejected.
A burn of the respiratory tract with vapors of paints causes swelling of the nasopharynx, sneezing, and coughing. The victim complains of shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The skin is pale, the eyes turn red. Headache and dizziness are common.
Thermal burns of the respiratory tract are accompanied by shortness of breath, blue skin, voice changes. On examination, you can see obvious burn injuries of the pharynx and upper palate. The patient shows anxiety, fear, which is often associated with severe pain and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, loss of consciousness occurs.
Respiratory tract burns in a fire are most common. Such an injury is characterized by damage to the lips, neck, and mouth. On examination, a burnt inner surface of the nostrils is observed. When examining secretions from the bronchi, nasal cavity, traces of soot can be found.
A burn of the respiratory tract with steam, as a rule, is accompanied by laryngospasm, without pronounced damage to the trachea, bronchi and lungs. The fact is that when hot steam is inhaled, a protective reaction is triggered in the form of an involuntary contraction of the muscles of the larynx. Therefore, this type of burn can be considered the most favorable.

Complications and consequences

Light burns of the respiratory tract of the 1st stage. usually do not cause negative consequences and are cured without much problem.

With II or III Art. a burn injury may develop complications with rather negative prognosis.

Among the most unfavorable complications are the following:

the development of emphysema - a chronic pulmonary disease, which is accompanied by the expansion of small bronchioles and a violation of the integrity of the interalveolar septa;
changes in the structure of the vocal cords;
chronic pneumonia;
insufficiency of pulmonary and cardiac function;
renal failure;
phenomena of necrosis and fibrosis in the trachea and bronchi, which can ultimately lead to death.

Diagnostics of the airway burn

Usually, the diagnosis of a burn injury of the respiratory tract does not cause problems. It is much more important and more difficult to assess the depth and extent of internal tissue damage. In most cases, the diagnostic measures used are based on this.

Laboratory tests - biochemistry and complete blood count, general urinalysis - indicate the development of anemia and deterioration of kidney function. However, such changes do not occur immediately, but only 2-3 days after the injury.
Instrumental diagnostics is carried out using laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. A more informative diagnostic method for burns is bronchoscopy, which allows you to safely and urgently check the condition of all parts of the trachea and bronchi. Bronchoscopy makes it possible to clarify the nature of the lesion: it can be catarrhal, necrotic, erosive or ulcerative burns of the respiratory tract.
Differential diagnosis is carried out between chemical and thermal burns of the respiratory system, as well as between injuries to the mucous membrane of the respiratory and digestive tract.

Respiratory tract burn treatment

The prognosis of treatment directly depends on competent and timely emergency assistance to the victim. First aid for a burn of the upper respiratory tract is carried out quickly and in stages:

the victim is taken out into the fresh air, or into a room in which further action of the damaging agent is excluded;
the patient is given a reclining position with a raised head (if he is unconscious, it is better to put him on the side so that vomit does not enter the respiratory tract);
the mouth and throat should be rinsed with water, it is possible with the addition of novocaine or another anesthetic;
for acid burns, add a little baking soda to the rinse water;
in case of an alkaline burn, it is recommended to add a little acetic or citric acid to the rinse water;
then you should call "emergency aid", or independently deliver the victim to a medical institution;
during transportation or waiting for the doctor, care must be taken to ensure that the patient maintains spontaneous breathing. If there are no respiratory movements, then artificial respiration is resorted to.

Treatment of chemical and thermal burn injuries is practically the same. The purpose of the treatment is usually as follows:

elimination of swelling of the larynx, ensuring normal respiratory function;
prevention or treatment of shock and soreness;
removal of bronchospasm;
facilitating the release of accumulated secretions from the bronchi;
prevention of the development of pneumonia;
prevention of pulmonary collapse.

During treatment, the victim should not speak, in order to avoid injury to the vocal cords (at least for 2 weeks).

The following medications are commonly used for treatment:

Pain relievers (Omnopon, Promedol).
Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs (Ibuprofen, Ketorol).
Decongestant medicines (Lasix, Trifas, Diakarb).
Desensitizing drugs (Diphenhydramine, Diazolin, Diprazin).

For example, a standard doctor's appointment for a burn of the respiratory tract may look like this:

Promedol IV, 1 ml of 1% solution for the first 2-3 days (at the same time, Atropine can be prescribed to prevent depression of the respiratory center);
Ketolong i / m from 10 to 30 mg every 8 hours (precautions: may cause pain in the stomach, dyspepsia, increased blood pressure);
Trifas orally, 5 mg once daily (loop diuretic, may cause dry mouth, low blood pressure, metabolic alkalosis);
Diprazine orally, 0.025 g up to 3 times a day (washes cause drowsiness, dry mouth, dyspepsia).

If the doctor suspects burn injury to the lungs, then the introduction of infusion solutions, antibiotics, diuretics (to eliminate puffiness) is mandatory. Intensive oxygen therapy is performed.

For the speedy restoration of tissues and support of the internal forces of the body, vitamins are prescribed:

Cyanocobalamin i / m 200-400 mcg every other day, for 2-3 weeks (caution: may cause allergies, headache, dizziness);
Neurovitan - inside, from 1 to 4 tablets / day. Duration of admission - up to 4 weeks (before starting admission, you should make sure that there is no allergy to the components).

During the recovery phase, physiotherapy can be used. Physiotherapeutic treatment is used to relieve pain and prevent infection of the burn surface. During the rehabilitation period, physiotherapy methods can accelerate the passage of dead tissue and stimulate the formation of granulation and epithelium. In addition, this type of treatment improves the engraftment of the skin during transplantation, and also prevents scar tissue changes.

Alternative treatment of burns of the respiratory tract

It should be noted right away that folk recipes can be applied only with a mild degree of burns. And if the respiratory tract is damaged, it is almost impossible to independently determine the degree of damage. Therefore, a visit to a doctor should be mandatory.

With minor burn injuries to the mucous membrane, traditional healers recommend inhaling cool air, cooling the irritated tissue.

It is also considered useful to consume liquid dairy products, especially kefir, yogurt, sour cream.

A burn of the respiratory tract will heal faster if you take 1 tbsp three times a day. a spoonful of pumpkin or sea buckthorn oil. The same effect will have 6 drops of lavender oil, diluted in 1 tbsp. l. water. The medicine should be taken after meals.

Herbal treatment is usually combined with the main treatment: only in this case, a healing effect can be expected.

Medicinal infusions based on coltsfoot, wild rose, oak bark are very helpful in relieving pain. The listed plant components are crushed and brewed with 1 tbsp. l. mixture in 250 ml of boiling water.

It is good to drink chilled green tea without sugar or other additives. Many people do not like the taste of green tea: in this case, the drink can be replaced with mint infusion.

A good effect on burns of the respiratory tract is given by a medicine made from mashed apples with carrot juice. Melted butter is added to the cooled mixture and taken in small amounts throughout the day.

Homeopathy

Adherents of homeopathic treatment can use these drugs as an adjunct to the main treatment, which is prescribed by the doctor.

Homeopathic treatment for burns of the respiratory tract usually lasts at least 4-5 weeks.

Prevention

A victim of respiratory tract burns in the future must adhere to certain rules and restrictions in order to avoid various complications and negative consequences.

It is important to avoid colds, infectious respiratory diseases.
Regularly visit a pulmonologist to monitor the state of the respiratory system.
Do not smoke under any circumstances and avoid inhalation of fumes, vapors and chemical vapors.
Be in the fresh air more often, avoid physical inactivity.

As a rehabilitation, it is useful to engage in physiotherapy exercises, to carry out sanatorium-resort treatment annually. It is also necessary to monitor nutrition so that the body receives the maximum amount of nutrients and vitamins.

Forecast

A burn of the respiratory tract is a rather serious injury that can remind of itself even after a few years. Therefore, it is important to periodically visit a doctor and monitor the condition of the lungs, bronchi, trachea, in order to avoid respiratory dysfunctions in the future.

A burn of the respiratory tract is an injury to the mucous membranes that occurs when the vapors of a damaging agent are inhaled - smoke, boiling water, hot steam, vapors of toxic substances, water.

Any inhalation damage to tissues is dangerous to health, in some cases to the life of the patient. A burn of the lungs, upper respiratory tract refers to catastrophic conditions - accompanied by organ dysfunctions.

Injuries of this kind are difficult to diagnose; they do not have external cutaneous manifestations.
The respiratory system occupies a large area: the oral cavity, the larynx, the branched bronchial system and the lungs in general. It is difficult to determine the area and depth of tissue damage.
Burns cause a specific reaction in the skin and mucous membranes. This is hyperemia, a rush of fluid to the tissues, the formation of edema. With injuries of the respiratory tract, they are fraught with the development of obstruction, up to respiratory arrest.
A chemical burn of the lungs is caused by vapors of aggressive substances - ammonia, chlorine, acids, bleach. For such injuries on the surface of the body, the first aid is to remove the reagent from the skin with large volumes of water. This reduces the severity of damage. In case of inhalation trauma of the respiratory tract, the method cannot be used. It aggravates the patient's condition.

Causes and symptoms

According to medical statistics, this type of injury is rare in everyday life. The number of burns of the respiratory system increases during armed conflicts, man-made disasters.

Household injuries - when smoking a hookah or a fire, inhaling the vapors of hogweed and other poisonous plants - are found in only 1 percent of cases.

Causes of burns:

, overheated air in the sauna, smoke;
, alkalis, gases;
mixed exposure - elevated air temperature is combined with fumes of toxic substances.

The first symptoms of respiratory tract damage appear immediately after exposure to the damaging agent. A burn in the upper part is accompanied by pain in the sternum. Damage to the skin on the face, lips, and in the oral cavity is visually determined. Development of cyanosis is possible.

Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the burn:

At the first stage, the language is affected. Cyanosis rarely develops, voice functions do not suffer. Minor wheezing is possible in the lungs. There are no signs of damage to the cardiovascular system. It is a mild form of thermal injury.
At the second stage - this is the 2nd or 3rd degree of a burn with the formation of blisters - cyanosis develops due to the development of respiratory failure. There is a dry cough with a transition to a wet one. The voice function may be lost or the tone of the voice may be reduced.

In the lungs, wheezing and crepitus are clearly audible. In almost all cases, inflammation of the lungs and bronchi develops. Body temperature rises to critical values. The patient develops hallucinations, delusions.

Forms of injury

There are 3 forms of inhalation injury. They can be individual - under the influence of 1 factor or combined.

Allocate:

Exposure to carbon monoxide.

This substance does not corrode the tissues of the respiratory system, does not contribute to the development of hyperemia or edema. But carbon monoxide is able to form bonds with hemoglobin, displacing oxygen. With negligible exposure, it causes oxygen deficiency, with prolonged exposure - death. Refers to severe pathologies.

A burn of the upper respiratory tract - at stage 1 it is considered a mild form of injury, since there is no impairment of respiratory functions. In the second degree, areas of necrosis, difficulty breathing, and impaired vocal functions appear. The symptoms are fully manifested on the 2nd day. It is a severe form of pathology.
Burns of the lower respiratory tract - systems of small bronchi. At any stage, it is considered a severe form, and diagnosis is difficult and it is difficult to identify the depth and volume of the affected small branches of the bronchial tree and alveoli. In almost all cases, pneumonia develops.

First aid for chemical burns of the respiratory tract

There are a number of rules that must be followed regardless of the location of the injury - at home, at work. First aid for inhalation chemical burns is as follows:

Remove the victim from the area of action of an aggressive substance into fresh air.
Lay on the side or sit down. If vomiting begins, then do not allow vomit to enter the respiratory tract.
Rinse the mouth with water with the addition of baking soda for acid damage, for alkaline - with citric acid. Treat with anesthetic solution.
Call an ambulance.
Monitor your breathing rate on the way. In difficult cases, resuscitation measures are shown.

If a child has received an inhalation injury, then the emergency services should be called and the victim should be taken to the clinic, regardless of the severity of the injury.

Treatment methods

Inhalation burns are treated by a pulmonologist or combustiologist in an intensive care unit.

Diagnostics is carried out as follows:

examination of the patient and, if possible, interview;
conversation with relatives or persons who brought the victim to the hospital;
analysis of the situation based on the results of the inspection;
general analysis and biochemistry of blood;
laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy - allow you to assess the severity and depth of changes in the tissues.

In the treatment of inhalation injuries, a standard treatment method is used, regardless of the damaging agent. It consists of the following steps:

Reducing swelling of the larynx and airways.
Respiratory function restoration.
Removal of sputum from the bronchi, elimination of bronchospasm.
Prevention of pain shock and burn disease.
Prevention of pneumonia, pulmonary collapse.

On days 1–2, the transfer of the patient to artificial lung ventilation is shown. According to indications - oxygen for breathing. Vocal rest should be observed for 2 weeks after injury. This will allow the ligamentous apparatus to recover.

Medical therapy is selected by the doctor based on the severity of the burn. The standard treatment regimen shows the use of the following groups of drugs:

pain relievers;
non-steroidal drugs;
decongestants;
vitamin complexes;
if lung damage is suspected, antibiotics;
diuretics to relieve edema.

Surgical treatment is carried out already at the stage of rehabilitation to eliminate external damage to the skin.

Consequences and prevention

Stage 1 injuries pass without consequences and have a favorable prognosis. At stage 2 of the lesion, complications with an unfavorable outcome are possible.

The most dangerous for the patient's health are:

chronic pneumonia;
emphysema of the lungs - the destruction of small bronchioles;
violation of the structure and structure of the vocal cords;
heart and lung failure;
kidney damage;
necrosis.

In order to prevent inhalation burns, it is recommended not to get into situations that provoke the development of such an injury. At home, avoid contact with superheated steam, smoke, quit smoking.

In production - observe safety precautions when working with flammable and aggressive substances.

Anyone can get burned. The main thing is to take the victim to a specialist and follow all the doctor's recommendations.

A burn injury to the lungs is possible due to inhalation of chemicals:

Acid. Chlorine damage occurs most often.
Alkali. Caustic soda, ammonia, caustic soda.
Alcohol.

Thermal burns appear if a person inhales hot smoke, steam, high temperature liquids.

Such injuries are accompanied by the development of an inflammatory process, damage to the mucous membrane, epithelium, and circulatory disorders.

The second stage is manifested by a burn injury to the respiratory system. Such lesions are more severe. They affect the epiglottis, its cartilage and folds, pharynx, trachea.

Symptoms of damage will appear depending on the severity of the burn.

People with respiratory tract burns experience the following symptoms:

burn injury to the face and neck;
the appearance of burnt nose hair;
the formation of soot on the tongue and palate;
the appearance of necrotic spots on the oral mucosa;
swelling of the nasopharynx;
the voice becomes hoarse;
painful sensations appear during swallowing;
trouble breathing and dry cough.

To obtain detailed information about the degree of lesions, a bronchoscopic examination is prescribed.

During the first twelve hours after injury, the airways swell and development occurs. Gradually, the burn leads to the formation of foci of inflammation in the airways, which requires urgent treatment.

violation of consciousness;
dyspnea;
cyanosis of the skin;
traces of soot on the tongue and oral mucosa;
damage to the pharyngeal wall.

Thermal burns are dangerous as they can cause respiratory failure or acute lung damage. Treatment in these cases is carried out in special burn centers or in the intensive care units of the hospital.

These substances cause chemical burns of the respiratory tract. How severe this damage will be depends on the duration of exposure, the concentration and type of chemical, and temperature.

Aggressive agents, even at low concentrations, can cause lung burns.

As a result of a burn, lung function is impaired. This leads to a life-threatening condition - burn shock.

In case of burns of the respiratory tract, it is important to provide the victim with assistance in time. This requires:

protect the patient from the influence of harmful substances and provide an influx of fresh air;
if the person has not lost consciousness, he needs to be given a half-sitting position so that his head is raised;
in an unconscious state, the patient should be put on one side so that in case of vomiting he does not choke on vomit;
for a burn with acids, treatment is carried out using rinsing with a solution of baking soda;
alkaline damage is eliminated with water with acetic or citric acid;
it is important to deliver the patient to a medical facility as soon as possible to continue treatment.

First of all, treatment for lesions of the respiratory system is carried out as follows:

an anesthetic is administered intravenously;
do face skin rinsing with cool water;
rinse your mouth with chilled boiled water;
in case of acute pain, the oral cavity is treated with a solution of novocaine or lidocaine;
put on the patient an oxygen mask and provide an influx of fresh air.

Depending on the type of injury, appropriate emergency care is provided. They also use general medical methods of treatment. They allow you to:

Get rid of laryngeal edema and provide normal air access.
Eliminate painful sensations and eliminate shock.
Ensure the outflow of mucous secretions from the bronchi and lungs, which is produced as a result of a burn.
Prevent the development of the inflammatory process in the lungs.
Avoid collapse of a specific part of the lung.

Lung burns are treated with antibacterial drugs.

The impact of high temperature conditions and chemical irritating components on the mucous membranes always leads to more dire consequences than it manifests itself in contact with the epidermis. This is due to the high degree of permeability of the walls, increased looseness of the structure and the absence of a protective stratum corneum. Among emergency conditions, thermal burns of the upper respiratory tract, which occurs under the influence of moist hot air, are often encountered. There is a danger of getting it when using the steam room or sauna. Although dry hot air has a less negative impact, since it does not have the ability to heat up to extreme temperatures. In this regard, a visit to a Finnish sauna with dry hot air is safer than being in the steam room of a Russian bath.

There may also be a chemical burn of the upper respiratory tract with acids, alkalis, chlorine. The clinical picture is similar to the effects of thermal exposure, therefore, it is important to correctly collect anamnesis (history of the development of an emergency) for classification. First aid measures may vary, but more on that later.

In the meantime, it is worth noting that with a thermal burn of the respiratory tract, there is a danger of the pathogenic effect of high temperatures on the alveolar lung tissue. At the same time, the alveoli literally burst and merge into one large bubble, which does not have the ability to exchange gas. The result can be rapidly increasing respiratory and heart failure, leading to death.

avoid rooms and places where a sudden release of hot steam can occur;
observe the rules of personal safety when visiting steam rooms;
use steam generators and irons correctly when ironing linen;
use devices for hot steam inhalation with caution, exclude their use as much as possible;
you should completely abandon such a method of treating colds and coughs as inhaling hot steam.

Chemical burns of the respiratory tract can be avoided if protective masks, respirators and gas masks are used when working with damaging substances. Do not stay in areas where there is a risk of the release of damaging gaseous substances into the surrounding air.

It is quite difficult to recognize the clinical picture of this acute condition if you do not know the history of its occurrence. Therefore, whenever possible, it is worth asking the affected person what he was doing before the onset of laryngospasm. The difficulty lies in the fact that the first typical signs of airway burns are accompanied by spasm of the vocal cords. At the same time, a person in the literal sense of the word loses the power of speech. Choking may develop, accompanied by pain when trying to take a deep breath.

Reflex laryngospasm provokes wheezing, which can be heard from a distance. Quite often, the symptoms of a burn of the respiratory tract are accompanied by a picture of damage to the skin of the face and neck region. Hyperemia is visible, pain appears on palpation.

Burn shock can join quickly enough, with the manifestation of signs of heart and respiratory failure. There is a painful dry cough, a large amount of serous fluid can be excreted with sputum.

With a detailed examination and bronchoscopy, it is possible to establish the degree of damage to the mucous membrane. In the first degree, a catarrhal lesion is established. The second degree is characterized by damage to the deeper layers. A more severe course is marked by ulcerative and necrotic stages.

Correctly and timely provided first aid for burns of the respiratory tract is the key to complete restoration of the bronchial tree and lung tissue. Therefore, it is important to know the basic principles of emergency treatment and be able to apply them in life if necessary. They include the following techniques:

at the first suspicion of an emergency, the patient should be taken to fresh air;
sit on a hard surface with a solid back;
if the victim is unconscious, then he should be laid on his side and make sure that he breathes on his own;
an anesthetic drug is given to relieve pain shock;
an antihistamine will prevent the development of edema of the mucous membrane (you can use "Suprastin", "Tavegin", "Pipolfen", "Diphenhydramine");
if breathing is difficult, you can use any inhaler with bronchodilatory action (Ephedrine, Salbutamol, Berotek, Berodual).

Urgently call an ambulance team, informing the dispatcher about a possible burn of the upper respiratory tract.

With chemical exposure, you can try to neutralize the effect of acid or alkali. In the first case, rinse your mouth with sodium bicarbonate solution (baking soda). When exposed to alkali, it is necessary to irrigate the throat surface with a weak solution of acetic acid.

Conducting independently subsequent treatment of burns of the upper respiratory tract is not only ineffective, but also dangerous to the life of the affected person. An emergency hospitalization in a specialized burn center is shown, where it is possible to connect it to an artificial respiration apparatus. Further, the doctor faces the difficult task of preventing the development of hypovolemia and burn disease, against the background of which acute renal failure may occur. Intravenous infusion of saline solutions is indicated, providing a normal blood pH level.

When a patient is introduced into an artificial coma, a method of treatment with the help of a bronchoscopic apparatus is used. It allows you to regularly irrigate the damaged mucous membranes of the bronchial tree with regenerative and antiseptic solutions. This technique does not allow the development of various extramucous destructions and deformations.

, overheated air in the sauna, smoke;
, alkalis, gases;

At the first stage, the language is affected. Cyanosis rarely develops, voice functions do not suffer. Minor wheezing is possible in the lungs. There are no signs of damage to the cardiovascular system. It is a mild form of thermal injury.

Exposure to carbon monoxide.

If a child has received an inhalation injury, then the emergency services should be called and the victim should be taken to the clinic, regardless of the severity of the injury.

Prevention of pain shock, etc.

pain relievers;
non-steroidal drugs;
decongestants;
vitamin complexes;

chronic pneumonia;
kidney damage;
necrosis.

Chemical burns of the respiratory tract

Chemical burns occur due to the ingestion or inhalation of concentrated chemical solutions (acids, alkalis, etc.). Most often, this affects the vestibular larynx (epiglottis, scooped-epiglottis and vestibular folds, arytenoid cartilage). At the site of contact of the chemical agent with the mucous membrane, a local burn reaction occurs in the form of hyperemia, edema, and the formation of fibrous plaque. In severe cases, the skeleton of the larynx may be damaged.

Functional disorders come to the fore: difficulty in breathing and voice changes up to aphonia. Laryngoscopy data indicate the location and size of the laryngeal lesion, changes in the glottis, the nature of edema and infiltration, fibrous plaque and its prevalence. In each case, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of diphtheria.

In the first 1-2 hours after the burn, inhalations with a weak (0.5%) solution of alkali (with acid burns) or acid (with alkali burns) are advisable. The same substances must be used to rinse the throat and mouth. An indispensable condition is the observance of silence for 10-14 days. To relieve pain, rinse with warm decoctions of chamomile, sage 2 times a day for 2-3 weeks. In the presence of odor from the mouth and fibrinous films on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and pharynx, rinse with a weak solution of potassium permanganate is prescribed. Inhalation therapy has a good effect. Apply inhalations of menthol, peach, apricot oils, antibiotics in combination with a suspension of hydrocortisone (15-20 procedures per course). Active anti-inflammatory and hyposensitizing therapy is carried out.

Chemical burns of the alimentary tract.

Chemical burns of the pharynx and esophagus occur when corrosive liquid poisons are swallowed, most often - concentrated solutions of acids and alkalis, taken accidentally or for suicidal purposes. When exposed to acid, a dense scab is formed, when exposed to alkalis, a soft loose scab is formed. Clinically, there are three degrees of pathological changes in tissues:

II degree - the formation of bubbles;

III degree - necrosis. Clinic.

In the first hours and days after the burn, acute pain in the pharynx and along the esophagus is characteristic, aggravated by swallowing and coughing. Extensive scabs form on the mucous membrane of the lips and mouth, pharynx. If poisonous substances enter the larynx, trachea, coughing and choking attacks occur. In some cases, a poisonous substance can be recognized by its smell.

With burns of the first degree, only the superficial epithelial layer is damaged, which is rejected for 3-4 days, exposing the hyperemic mucous membrane. The general condition of the patient suffers little. Second-degree burns cause intoxication, which is most pronounced on days 6-7 during the period of rejection of necrotic plaques that leave erosion. Since the thickness of the mucous membrane is damaged, healing is granulation with an outcome in a superficial scar. With III degree burns, the mucous membrane and the underlying tissue are damaged to different depths, severe intoxication occurs. Rejection of scabs occurs by the end of the 2nd week, deep ulcers are formed, the healing of which takes several weeks, and sometimes months. In this case, gross deforming scars are formed, as a rule, causing a narrowing of the esophagus.

Esophageal burns are often accompanied by complications such as laryngitis, tracheobronchitis, esophageal perforation, peri-esophagitis, mediastinitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and wasting. In childhood, burns of I and U degrees cause swelling of the pharynx and larynx, an abundance of sputum, which causes a significant breathing disorder due to stenosis in the pharynx and larynx.

Treatment for burns of the pharynx and esophagus should begin as early as possible, preferably at the scene of the incident. In case of chemical burns in the first 6 hours, it is necessary to neutralize the poisonous substance. If no antidote is available, water should be used with half the amount of milk or raw egg whites added. It is permissible to wash the stomach with boiled warm water. If it is impossible to enter a gastric tube, give 5-6 glasses of wash liquid to drink, then induce vomiting by pressing on the root of the tongue. Rinsing should be repeated using 3-4 liters of rinsing liquid.

Along with the neutralization and washing out of the poisonous substance for burns of II and III degrees, anti-shock and detoxification measures are shown: a solution of pantopon or morphine is injected subcutaneously, a 5% glucose solution, plasma, fresh citrate blood. Cardiovascular and antibacterial drugs are used. If the patient can swallow, prescribe a sparing diet, drink plenty of fluids, allow to swallow vegetable oil: if it is impossible to swallow, vegetable and parenteral nutrition is indicated.

In many cases, with burns of the pharynx, the entrance to the larynx is involved in the process; the edema that occurs here can sharply narrow the lumen of the larynx and cause asphyxia. Therefore, the presence of laryngeal edema is an indication for the use of pipolfen, prednisolone, calcium chloride (drug destenosis). In some cases, a tracheostomy is necessary. It is advisable to administer antibiotics during the entire period of healing of ulcers (1-2 months), which is the prevention of pneumonia and tracheobronchitis, prevents the development of infection on the wound surface and reduces subsequent scarring.

The most common method for reducing cicatricial stenosis of the esophagus during the recovery process is early bougienage or leaving a nasoesophageal probe in the esophagus for a long time.

a source

A burn of the respiratory tract is an injury to the mucous membranes that occurs when the vapors of a damaging agent are inhaled - smoke, boiling water, hot steam, vapors of toxic substances, water.

Injuries of this kind are difficult to diagnose; they do not have external cutaneous manifestations.
The respiratory system occupies a large area: the oral cavity, the larynx, the branched bronchial system and the lungs in general. It is difficult to determine the area and depth of tissue damage.
Burns cause a specific reaction in the skin and mucous membranes. This is hyperemia, a rush of fluid to the tissues, the formation of edema. With injuries of the respiratory tract, they are fraught with the development of obstruction, up to respiratory arrest.
A chemical burn of the lungs is caused by vapors of aggressive substances - ammonia, chlorine, acids, bleach. For such injuries on the surface of the body, the first aid is to remove the reagent from the skin with large volumes of water. This reduces the severity of damage. In case of inhalation trauma of the respiratory tract, the method cannot be used. It aggravates the patient's condition.

According to medical statistics, this type of injury is rare in everyday life. The number of burns of the respiratory system increases during armed conflicts, man-made disasters.

Household injuries - when smoking a hookah or a fire, inhaling the vapors of hogweed and other poisonous plants - are found in only 1 percent of cases.

exposure to hot steam, overheated air in the sauna, smoke;
damage by fumes of acids, alkalis, gases;
mixed exposure - elevated air temperature is combined with fumes of toxic substances.

Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the burn:

In the first stage, the oral cavity, tongue, larynx and epiglottis are affected. Cyanosis rarely develops, voice functions do not suffer. Minor wheezing is possible in the lungs. There are no signs of damage to the cardiovascular system. It is a mild form of thermal injury.
At the second stage - this is the 2nd or 3rd degree of a burn with the formation of blisters - cyanosis develops due to the development of respiratory failure. There is a dry cough with a transition to a wet one. The voice function may be lost or the tone of the voice may be reduced.

There are 3 forms of inhalation injury. They can be individual - under the influence of 1 factor or combined.

Exposure to carbon monoxide.

A burn of the upper respiratory tract - at stage 1 it is considered a mild form of injury, since there is no impairment of respiratory functions. In the second degree, areas of necrosis, difficulty breathing, and impaired vocal functions appear. The symptoms are fully manifested on the 2nd day. It is a severe form of pathology.
Burns of the lower respiratory tract - systems of small bronchi. At any stage, it is considered a severe form, and diagnosis is difficult and it is difficult to identify the depth and volume of the affected small branches of the bronchial tree and alveoli. In almost all cases, pneumonia develops.

There are a number of rules that must be followed regardless of the location of the injury - at home, at work. First aid for inhalation chemical burns is as follows:

Remove the victim from the area of action of an aggressive substance into fresh air.
Lay on the side or sit down. If vomiting begins, then do not allow vomit to enter the respiratory tract.
Rinse the mouth with water with the addition of baking soda for acid damage, for alkaline - with citric acid. Treat with anesthetic solution.
Call an ambulance.
Monitor your breathing rate on the way. In difficult cases, resuscitation measures are shown.

Inhalation burns are treated by a pulmonologist or combustiologist in an intensive care unit.

Diagnostics is carried out as follows:

examination of the patient and, if possible, interview;
conversation with relatives or persons who brought the victim to the hospital;
analysis of the situation based on the results of the inspection;
general analysis and biochemistry of blood;
laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy - allow you to assess the severity and depth of changes in the tissues.

In the treatment of inhalation injuries, a standard treatment method is used, regardless of the damaging agent. It consists of the following steps:

Reducing swelling of the larynx and airways.
Respiratory function restoration.
Removal of sputum from the bronchi, elimination of bronchospasm.
Prevention of pain shock and burn disease.
Prevention of pneumonia, pulmonary collapse.

Medical therapy is selected by the doctor based on the severity of the burn. The standard treatment regimen shows the use of the following groups of drugs:

pain relievers;
non-steroidal drugs;
decongestants;
vitamin complexes;
if lung damage is suspected, antibiotics;
diuretics to relieve edema.

Surgical treatment is carried out already at the stage of rehabilitation to eliminate external damage to the skin.

Stage 1 injuries pass without consequences and have a favorable prognosis. At stage 2 of the lesion, complications with an unfavorable outcome are possible.

The most dangerous for the patient's health are:

chronic pneumonia;
emphysema of the lungs - the destruction of small bronchioles;
violation of the structure and structure of the vocal cords;
heart and lung failure;
kidney damage;
necrosis.

In order to prevent inhalation burns, it is recommended not to get into situations that provoke the development of such an injury. At home, avoid contact with superheated steam, smoke, quit smoking.

In production - observe safety precautions when working with flammable and aggressive substances.

Anyone can get burned. The main thing is to take the victim to a specialist and follow all the doctor's recommendations.

a source

A throat burn is a serious injury that can be both chemical and thermal. What are the symptoms of the victim and how to treat the burn?

A laryngeal burn is damage to the mucous membranes resulting from exposure to high temperatures or harsh chemicals. This injury is quite widespread in everyday life, because a burn of the pharynx can be obtained when eating hot food and drinks.There are often injuries with alcohol or acetic acid, Lugol, iodine, caustic alkalis, concentrated steam.

Experts consider a chemical burn of a throat to be the most difficult in terms of treatment and further recovery. Even a visit to the dentist can provoke injury, for example, if arsenic or other potent drugs get on the mucous membranes of the larynx.

Young children are also susceptible to this type of defeat, who, due to their curiosity, may well try household chemicals. According to the international classification, burn injuries of the throat are divided by specialists into 3 degrees:

The first degree is characterized by redness of the larynx and swelling of the mucous membranes.
The second degree - manifests itself as specific blisters and the formation of gray films on the red and swollen throat.
The third degree is manifested by necrosis of the affected tissues. Muscle tissue, ligaments and cartilage are affected.

Lesions of the larynx of the second and third degree require competent and timely assistance to the victim. Otherwise, extremely serious consequences are possible in the form of an attack of suffocation, poisoning, scarring and even death of the patient!

Doctors identify the following clinical symptoms that appear in a victim with a burn of the throat:

Sharp sore throat, with a tendency to intensify when trying to swallow;
Intense salivation;
Nausea and bouts of vomiting;
Cough syndrome;
Pain sensations localized in the chest area;
Voice changes;
Feeling of lack of air;
Swelling of the cervical lymph nodes;
A strong burning sensation in the area of \ u200b \ u200bthe palate;
Hiccups.

In severe cases, it is possible the development of a state of shock. Even minor injuries can lead to impaired respiratory function and cause suffocation, especially when it comes to a child or elderly person.

Therefore, having identified the first symptoms characteristic of this injury, one should urgently provide the victim with first aid, after which he should be delivered to a medical institution and handed over to the hands of professionals.

With this injury, patients have a high likelihood of developing complications and adverse consequences, which include:

Chemical intoxication, poisoning;
Collapse;
Reflex cessation of breathing associated with damage to nerve endings;
Scarring of the larynx, pharynx and esophagus.

What to do if the larynx is burnt? First of all, it is recommended to give the victim a drink of cold water, which will relieve the general condition, relieve pain and swelling, but the main thing is to prevent further spread of the burn into the tissue.

In this case, you need to drink water in small sips, holding it in the throat and mouth. A good effect is given by resorption of crushed ice or rinsing the larynx with cool antiseptic solutions. In the event of a chemical burn, it is necessary to neutralize the effect of the provoking factor. For these purposes, you need to examine the victim's larynx.

With an alkaline lesion, a dry scab on the mucous membranes will be noticeable. In such a situation, a weak solution of acetic or citric acid is used. If a jelly-like scab forms in the throat, then we are talking about the effects of acids, and the patient needs a soda solution to neutralize.

After providing first aid and relieving acute symptoms, you need to give the victim a gastric lavage, give him a glass of milk and a little sunflower oil to drink, and then be sure to contact a specialist who will prescribe further treatment!

A burn of the mucous throat of the first degree and sometimes the second is treated at home, in more severe cases, the victim is hospitalized. Successful treatment and recovery requires adherence to the following medical recommendations:

Silence. The patient should talk as little as possible, avoid raising his voice.
Gargle with chamomile broth and antiseptic solutions.
Abstaining from sharp, sour, hard salty food.
Compliance with a diet with a predominance of liquid and puree foods in the diet. The patient's menu should include broth, sour cream, egg cheeses.

For burn injuries of the throat, treatment involves mandatory drug therapy. How to treat a lesion in a particular case, a qualified specialist will tell you individually. Usually, patients are prescribed analgesic, antibacterial drugs, glucocorticosteroids are used to reduce swelling.

The mucous membranes of the larynx in the affected area are regularly treated with antiseptic and oily agents - such procedures give a very good therapeutic effect! The surface of the larynx can also be smeared with petroleum jelly, beaten chicken egg, using a sterile cotton swab.

Among the most common traditional medicines to combat this ailment, the use of peach, olive, sea buckthorn and rosehip oil is distinguished. These funds can be used for oil inhalation, external treatment of burned areas. Home treatments for thermal burns may include oil inhalations, ice cubes, cold neck compresses, sage and chamomile rinses.

Competent recovery requires a certain diet therapy. The fastest rehabilitation of the patient is facilitated by such products as egg white, vegetable and butter, cool drinks, cream. Oil for medicinal purposes is used in its pure form, 4 times throughout the day.

Serious chemical burns are usually treated in a clinic, under the supervision of specialists. Often, the victims are completely unable to eat, therefore, nutrient solutions are injected with the help of droppers. The therapeutic course includes the use of strong pain relievers, sedatives and antihistamines.

In order to prevent the development of infectious complications, it is proposed to conduct a course of antibiotic therapy. In especially severe clinical cases, patients are injected intravenously with Gemodez, glucose solutions, which eliminate the signs of general intoxication of the body and alleviate the condition of the victim.

When scarring and stenosis of the larynx develops, the patient needs surgery.

A burn of the throat is an injury that requires careful attention and mandatory referral to specialists. Treatment includes taking medications, diet therapy, rinsing, inhalation, external treatment of the affected areas.

Timely first aid and competent, comprehensive therapy will help to avoid the development of adverse consequences and achieve full recovery. Depending on the severity of the burn, the rehabilitation process takes from 2 weeks to six months.

a source

A burn of a throat is an injury to the mucous membrane of the throat caused by the destructive effects of chemical or thermal factors. The main cause of pathology is banal negligence. Burns occur by accident in a domestic or industrial environment, as well as deliberately - when attempting suicide. Industrial burns occur when vapors of chemical compounds are inhaled during work without personal protective equipment, for example, without a respirator. Throat burns are most susceptible to children as a result of insufficient control over them, but they often occur in adults as well.

A burn of the larynx is a lesion of the epithelium, and in severe cases of deep-lying tissues: muscles, ligaments, cartilage. The consequences of such pathologies are very dangerous for humans.

Chemical or thermal damage to the larynx causes immediate pain and requires immediate medical attention and adequate correction.

Light burns may not be treated, since the epithelium of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract has the ability to quickly self-repair. Severe injuries can lead to disability of the victim and even death.

Depending on the type of influencing etiopathogenetic factor, throat burns are classified into chemical and thermal. Symptoms and methods of providing first aid for these ailments are somewhat different.

The causes of burns of the mucous throat are divided into two large groups: chemical and thermal.

A burn of the throat is manifested by intense and excruciating pain when swallowing, burning and painful sensations in the nasopharynx, profuse salivation, dyspeptic disorders, fever, swelling and redness of the mucous membrane, the appearance of blisters and areas of whiteness on it, an increase and soreness of the lymph nodes, a change in the timbre of the voice, cough , shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat.

Burn injuries often spread from the larynx to the lower parts of the respiratory system: the trachea and bronchi. At the same time, the general condition of patients is significantly deteriorating. Injury to the esophagus is manifested by excruciating pain in the chest and epigastrium, prolonged hiccups, belching, and heartburn. Simultaneous irritation of a large number of nerve endings leads to serious consequences - reflex cessation of breathing. In cases of severe burns, toxic shock occurs.

A local burn of the pharynx is manifested by internal discomfort and goes away on its own in a week. More serious injuries require medical attention and comprehensive treatment.

Thermal burn of the larynx occurs when drinking hot liquids, food or inhaling heated air. Boiling water burns are never isolated. Usually it spreads to the mucous membrane of the mouth, esophagus, trachea. The symptomatology of pathology develops rapidly and causes many troubles. The victim develops sharp and excruciating pain, hypersalivation, reflex vomiting and other characteristic clinical signs.
Chemical burns are less common than thermal ones, but the course is much more difficult and less responsive to therapy. Burns of the throat with various chemicals are very dangerous for humans. Clinically, they manifest themselves with the same symptoms as thermal ones. When a chemical enters the respiratory tract, dysphagia and dysphonia occur, and respiratory functions are impaired.

According to the severity and severity of tissue damage, there are three types of throat burns:

1st degree burn differs in the defeat of the superficial epithelium, on which whitened areas appear, and after 2-3 days they begin to separate. Patients feel a burning sensation and a slight sore throat.
2nd degree burn characterized by more serious tissue damage and the formation of blisters with gray films on the mucous membrane. By the end of the second week, the plaque separates, the bubbles burst, and erosions - wounds appear in their place. They heal with the formation of small superficial scars that do not cause organ dysfunction. Intoxication is added to the pain syndrome.
3rd degree burn manifested by severe intoxication of the body and abundant purulent sputum, due to the death of inflamed tissues. Scabs appear on the mucous membrane, which are rejected over time with the formation of large and deep bleeding ulcers. After their healing, a scar remains, which disrupts the swallowing process.

Second and third degree throat burns are a dangerous injury. In the absence of timely medical assistance, the victim may die due to suffocation or intoxication.

The prognosis of the disease depends on the quality and speed of emergency care. To begin with, it is necessary to establish the factor of defeat by examining the scene of the incident and interviewing witnesses. Then they move on to inspect the affected area. With acid burns, there is a dry scab on the mucous membrane, and with alkaline burns, it is moist, jelly-like.

To alleviate the patient's condition, it is necessary to provide an influx of fresh air, observe a mode of silence, exclude from the diet foods that irritate the affected mucous membrane and prevent regeneration.

It is necessary to treat 2nd and 3rd degree throat burns in stationary conditions. First degree burns are treated at home under medical supervision.

In the hospital, patients are prescribed the following groups of drugs:

Pain relievers - "Lidocaine", "Trimekain", "Analgin", pain relieving pastes, narcotic analgesics "Fentanyl", "Naltrexon", "Promedol".
Sedatives - Relanium, Persen, Valoserdin, Afobazol.
Detoxification therapy is carried out for deep burns - intravenous administration of glucose-salt solutions, Ringer's solution, "Lasix".
Broad-spectrum antibiotics and sulfonamides are used to prevent secondary infection. Usually, patients are prescribed drugs from the group of fluoroquinolones, macrolides, cephalosporins of the latest generation.
Glucocorticosteroids to reduce puffiness and relieve shock - "Prednisolone", "Hydrocortisone".
Antiseptic solutions for rinsing - "Anestezin", "Miramistin", "Tantum Verde", "Aqualor".
Antihistamines - Diphenhydramine, Calcium Chloride, Suprastin.
Drugs that accelerate epithelization and tissue regeneration - "Aaevit", "Retinol", "Aekol", "Solcoseryl", "Methyluracil".

Experts transfer patients with a burn of the larynx to a sparing diet and recommend eating only soft, cool food in a pureed form.

For the treatment of burns first degree use traditional medicine, topical preparations, physiotherapy procedures:

Gargling with decoctions of medicinal herbs,
Cold compresses on the neck
Irrigation of affected tissues with peach or rosehip oil,
Oil inhalations,
Lubrication of a sore throat with olive or sea buckthorn oil.

In severe cases, surgical methods are used to treat burns. Operations are performed with the formation of scars, ulcers, serious deformities that lead to dysfunction of the affected organ.

Treatment of local burns gives a good result: the mucous membrane is quickly regenerated. With burns of 2 and 3 degrees, it is possible to develop sad consequences that can lead to disability and death of the victim.

It is known that burn diseases of the larynx are usually the result of banal negligence. To prevent this, it is necessary to pay a lot of attention to preventive measures, be vigilant and extremely attentive.

Small children should not be left unattended. Before giving a bottle of formula to babies, you should try it. Do not leave hot drinks, household chemicals and other chemicals within reach.
Store hazardous substances in specially designated areas out of the reach of children.
Individuals who are fond of alternative medicine can use prescriptions only after consulting a specialist.
It is necessary to follow safety precautions and master the rules of first aid.

a source

Inhalation - (lat. Ihalo - "inhale") inhalation of medicinal substances. Inhalation is a medical procedure that is not always done in a physiotherapy room or at home. The healing sea air or the aromas of the pine forest are a real natural inhalation.

Unfortunately, for many of us, inhalation is almost synonymous with medieval torture. This is due to the nightmarish memories from childhood: a saucepan with boiled potatoes, a pillar of steam pouring out of it and a thick blanket on the head to complete the picture and the absolute absence of the opportunity to breathe even a breath of unheated air. Instead of a saucepan, there was sometimes a teapot with brewed medicinal herb. It's time to fight childhood fears! And misconceptions about inhalation. This truly barbaric procedure from the past has nothing to do with real inhalation - one of the most effective methods of physiotherapy.

the time of drug absorption is significantly reduced;
targeted local effect of drugs on the respiratory system;
higher efficiency of microdispersed aerosol forms into which liquid drugs are converted in inhalers;
lower risk of side effects compared to other methods of introducing antibacterial, expectorant, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory drugs into the body - injections and taking pills.

respiratory diseases (ARVI): runny nose, laryngitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis;
complications after ARVI: laryngotracheitis, rhinosinusitis;
pulmonary cystic fibrosis syndrome;
fungal and bacterial diseases of the respiratory tract;
bronchitis and pneumonia at the 4th stage of resolution;
tuberculosis of the bronchi and lungs.

In addition, inhalation is simply irreplaceable in relieving attacks of bronchial asthma.

So that inhalation does not turn from an effective method of treatment into a useless or even harmful and painful measure, it is enough to follow simple rules, a kind of 9 commandments of inhalation:

Never inhale at a body temperature above 37.5 ° C and no earlier than 1 - 1.5 after a meal or strong physical exertion.
Nose and pulmonary hemorrhages, hypertension stage III, respiratory and cardiovascular insufficiency of the III degree are absolute contraindications to inhalation.
Inhalation is a medical procedure, and the time of its implementation must be strictly dosed! The "dose" of inhalation is the same as the dose for medication. After all, it would never occur to anyone to drink the entire package of an antibiotic at once.

For children: 1 - 2 times a day for 1 - 3 minutes.
For adults: 2 - 3 times a day, 5 - 10 minutes.

Better yet, observe the dosage prescribed by the attending physician, in extreme cases - the instructions for using the inhaler.

Treatment of rhinitis by inhalation requires inhalation through the nose, diseases of the lungs and pharynx - through the mouth. Inhalation aimed at treating the larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchi will be much more effective if, after inhaling, hold your breath for 2 seconds and only then exhale as much as possible.
Breathing during inhalation of the nose should not be tense, when inhaling through the mouth - see above; clothing should not interfere with free breathing.
A small sacrifice for the effectiveness of treatment: inhalation requires silence. During inhalation and for an hour after it, silence must be observed.
It is undesirable to eat, drink and smoke within an hour after inhalation.
Simple hygiene: wash your hands before inhalation, if inhalation is given to a child - to him too.
Disinfect the inhaler after each use and do not use oil preparations in ultrasonic devices.

And completely superfluous - to steam the whole face, taking inhalations. Healing substances are not absorbed through the skin of the face in any way.

Inhalations are distinguished by temperature:

up to 30 ° C - wet;
up to 40 о С - warm and humid;
up to 45 ° C - steam.

Inhalation with boiling water is hazardous to health! Steam that is too hot will burn the upper respiratory tract. With the correct conduct of steam inhalations, the maximum permissible temperature of the steam is 52 - 57 o C.

By the type of drug used, inhalations are distinguished:

During dry inhalation, the sprayed medicinal solution is mixed with hot dry air. After the water evaporates, airborne particles are inhaled and penetrated deep into the lungs. Dry inhalation is used mainly for inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. There are also simple powder blowers for spraying a powdery medicinal substance. The advantage of dry inhalation is that it allows you to more accurately dose the drug in comparison with wet ones.

Oil inhalations are used to create a protective film on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract in inflammatory processes of a hypertrophic nature (with the formation of crusts) and for prophylactic purposes.

It is strictly forbidden to use oil inhalations for those working in hazardous industries with a large amount of any dry dust (flour, asbestos, etc.)! Mixing with dust, the oil creates dense plugs in the lumen of the bronchi. As a result, inflammation develops in the blocked lumens of the bronchi.

If the drainage function of the bronchi is impaired, oil inhalations lead to an undesirable excessive accumulation of fat in the bronchi.

Mineral inhalations take a special place. In fact, this is a way of taking mineral water internally, but only in a sprayed form and through the respiratory tract. Mineral inhalations are effective in the treatment of chronic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, allergic diseases, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngotracheitis, bronchitis, residual effects after pneumonia, dust lung disease - pneumoconiosis and even diathesis, gout, rheumatism (radon inhalations).

The well-known mineral waters are used to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

For acute and exacerbation of chronic diseases for inhalation use:

salt-alkaline "Essentuki No. 4", "Essentuki No. 17", "Narzan", "Draasun", "Arzni".

For chronic rhinopharyngolaryngitis:

soda "Borjomi", "Luzhanskaya", "Dilijan", "Sairme";
sulfite (hydrogen sulfide) "Ekmeri", "Essentuki", "Matsesta", "Pyatigorsk";
carbon dioxide "Smirnovskaya", "Slavyanovskaya".

With the help of an inhaler, a balneological resort can be arranged at home. The temperature of the mineral water should be 35 - 38o C. The water must be defended for degassing. Duration of mineral inhalation - 10 minutes (inhale 5 minutes through the nose, the next 5 minutes through the mouth), 3 - 4 times a day, course - 10 - 15 procedures.

Using an inhaler makes inhalation much more effective than simply inhaling steam over a saucepan. If the house has frequent colds or bronchopulmonary diseases, it is worth getting an inhaler. They are of different types, but when using them at home, a number of difficulties arise, for example, it is not always easy to coordinate a deep breath and pressing the inhaler valve, especially when it comes to young children.

The problem was solved with new generation inhalers - turbuhalers (dry powder inhalers), spacers (devices for precise dosage of aerosol preparations, a kind of adapter between the inhaler and the nasopharynx of the recipient of inhalation) and nebulizers. In the nebulizer chamber, the medicinal solution is sprayed to an aerosol and fed into the respiratory tract. The patient does not need any additional actions or adjustment of breathing to the rhythm of the inhaler. Therefore, the nebulizer is perfect for home treatment of both infants and very old people, relieving allergy and asthma attacks.

If you have not yet acquired an inhaler, you can make it from available tools. A simple funnel made of rolled cardboard, put on the spout of a teapot, is a temporary express system for inhalation for you. A more improved version - a "mask for inhalation" - a plastic funnel, is connected to the kettle through a rubber tube about 20 cm long.

Steam inhalations with essential oils bring quick relief from the accumulation of mucus and shortness of breath during a runny nose. If a runny nose has just begun, peppermint oil will help, especially when combined with eucalyptus and melaleuca oils. A prolonged runny nose will surrender under the influence of steam inhalation with pine, chamomile, lavender and melaleuca oils. They can be used individually and in combination with each other.

Oil inhalations can be replaced with steam with herbal decoctions.

For 1 liter of boiling water, a handful of peppermint leaves, eucalyptus and chamomile flowers or pine buds. Like oils, herbs can be used individually or in combination.

mix the infusion of coltsfoot (200 ml of water 15 g of grass leaves) and a decoction of stems and leaves of blackberry (200 ml of water 20 g of stems and leaves).
mix infusions of raspberry leaves (raspberries: 200 ml of water, 20 g of grass) and calendula flowers (200 ml of water, 10 g of grass).

For the treatment of colds and acute respiratory viral infections at home, honey inhalations are well suited. They do not require constant medical supervision. Natural flower honey has an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.

Dissolve 1 - 2 teaspoons of honey in 100 ml of water.

The solution must always be freshly prepared. For one inhalation - 5 ml of solution. Carry out 2 times a day.

Add 3 drops of fresh onion or garlic juice to 5 ml of water or saline. They have a pronounced antimicrobial effect.

Add 1 ml of Kalanchoe juice to 5 ml of water or saline. They have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.

For 200 ml of water, 2 drops of any of the oils - fir, pine, eucalyptus.

It must be remembered that inhalations are contraindicated in case of purulent sore throat, swelling and elevated temperature. The best option for inhalation for coughing is using a nebulizer. Today there are many varieties that allow you to use not only herbal decoctions, but also essential oils.

Steam inhalation will relieve sore throat

with decoctions of sage, chamomile, oregano, thyme herbs (a tablespoon of herbs per glass of water);
with essential oils - menthol, fir, pine, eucalyptus (for half a glass of water, 10 drops of one of the oils).

Expectorant inhalation

decoctions of wild rosemary, nine-strength, coltsfoot, thyme (see proportions above);
tincture on "Borjomi" of a mixture of flowers of calendula, St. John's wort, chamomile, sage, eucalyptus (a tablespoon of a mixture of herbs in a glass of water);
pharmacy tinctures of chlorophyllipt or calendula.

Dry cough inhalation

Oil: sea buckthorn, peach, eucalyptus oils, propolis with olive oil (no more than 5 drops of oil per 100 ml of water). 5 minutes 1 - 2 times a day for a week.

Inhalation for bronchitis

per 200 ml of water an oil mixture of 2 drops of mint, 1 drop of sage, eucalyptus and lavender, 2 drops each, lemon wormwood - 4.

The first rule of children's inhalation is no boiling water! Only warm-humid (30 - 40 ° C) and humid (up to 30 ° C) inhalations. Duration from 1 to 3 minutes, 1 to 2 times a day. And remember, an overdose of essential oils causes dry mucous membranes.

For sputum discharge

soda inhalation (1 liter of water, 4 tsp soda);
mineral water vapors.

With inflammation of the tonsils

onion and garlic juice in a ratio of 1 (juice): 10 (water);
decoctions of chopped needles of cedar, fir, pine, juniper, linden blossom, black currant leaves, oak, birch, eucalyptus, chamomile flowers, lavender (250 ml of water per 1 tablespoon of collection).

Upper respiratory tract infections

a couple of potatoes, necessarily boiled in their uniform, and oat husks;
decoctions of herbs.

In case of ARVI for very little children, an excellent way of aromatherapy is to apply a drop of eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil to the collar. But you must be sure that the child does not have atonic dermatitis.

It is useful to inhale phytoncides secreted by onion and garlic gruel in the first 10 to 15 minutes after cooking. It is enough to spread the gruel in any container around the room in which the baby is located.

These inhalations are the safest way to treat colds, as they have no effect on the functioning of the internal organs and on the baby.

There are no particular contraindications for inhalation during pregnancy. The only recommendation is to do a tolerance test before inhalation with essential oils to eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction. Apply a drop of oil to the inside of your forearm, where you had the Mantoux test as a child. If after 30 minutes - an hour there are no changes, inhalation with this oil will only benefit you.

Inhalation with essential oils during pregnancy should not last longer than 5 - 7 minutes!

Inhalation recipes during pregnancy do not differ from inhalation recipes in a not so "force majeure" situation.

Decoctions of marshmallow, plantain, linden blossom, sage, thyme, chamomile, St. John's wort.

decoctions of lingonberry leaves, yarrow, wild rosemary, eucalyptus, string, coltsfoot flowers.
"Borjomi" or soda solution (2 - 3 tablespoons per liter of water).

Inhalation with essential oils of lime, fir, myrtle, sage, calamus, rosemary, eucalyptus, cedar, lavender, pine, rose.

A consultation with your gynecologist will never be superfluous before using any treatment, even such a safe one as inhalation.

Thank you for the informative article on inhalation, which provides a clear division of treatment depending on the age and health of the patient. I learned a lot about collecting herbs and combinations of oils.

I have chronic bronchitis. At one time I bought an inexpensive Inhaler "Smells of Health" (at times different from expensive nebulizers), it helps me to prolong the periods of remission. The inhaler is simple and easy to use and is an excellent alternative to a kettle with a funnel. How I did it: I added eucalyptus, fir, mint, lemon and sage oil to a container (there are 7 cells) for essential oils. I started breathing from 5 minutes, then moved on to 8-10 minutes. Within a few days I felt improvements, the cough became less dry and painful, and the discharge of sputum improved. I carry out this therapy for 10-15 days (about half a month), the general state of health quickly returns to normal.

A burn of the respiratory tract is damage to the mucous tissues of the respiratory organs, which develops at the moment of inhalation of a damaging agent: steam, chemical fumes, hot smoke, etc. ...

ICD-10 code

T27.3 Thermal burn of respiratory tract, unspecified

T27.7Corrosion of respiratory tract, unspecified

Epidemiology

In domestic conditions, the number of burns in the respiratory tract is much lower and is less than 1% of all burn cases.

Causes of respiratory tract burn

A burn of the respiratory system can be triggered by:

chemical fumes;
high temperature.

The most severe are mixed burns caused by a combination of chemical and thermal exposure.

Thermal injury to the respiratory system is observed when hot steam or air is inhaled, or even flames.

Pathogenesis

Burn damage is often accompanied by an inflammatory process, with impaired vascular permeability and edema, which further complicates the respiratory function.

Airway burn symptoms

A burn of the upper respiratory tract is accompanied by a sharp soreness in the pharynx and chest. The pain increases when trying to inhale, so breathing is difficult. The body temperature may rise.

Burn stages

Symptoms

Complications

Cyanosis

Wheezing in the lungs

Respiratory heart failure

Pneumonia

Stage I (burns of the oral mucosa, epiglottis, larynx).

Stage II (burn injury of II and III degrees of the respiratory system).

It rarely happens.

Strongly expressed.

Indistinct, dry wheezing.

A large number of dry wheezing, which after 2-3 days become wet and turn into crepitus.

Uncharacteristic.

Frequent dry cough, phlegm is released from 2-3 days. The voice is hoarse, aphonia is possible.

Often occurs on days 2-3.

Occasionally, it has a favorable course.

It develops in almost all cases. The current is heavy.

Forms

Depending on which factor caused the damage to the respiratory system, various types of such injuries are distinguished. All of them differ, first of all, in clinical symptoms.

A chemical burn of the respiratory tract can be suspected with the simultaneous presence of chemical damage to the skin of the neck, face, chest, and in the oral cavity. The victim often has breathing problems, his voice changes, bloody vomiting appears, cough with dirty discharge.
A chlorine burn of the respiratory tract is accompanied by a sharp burning sensation in the throat, nasal cavity and behind the sternum. At the same time, lacrimation, severe frequent cough and toxic rhinitis can be observed. The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract remains irritated for several days after the cessation of the action of the damaging factor.
A burn of the respiratory tract with acid can be determined by the condition of the posterior pharyngeal wall. In most cases, the mucous membrane on it first turns white or yellow, then becomes dirty green and then almost black. A crust forms on the surface, which bleeds when rejected.
A burn of the respiratory tract with vapors of paints causes swelling of the nasopharynx, sneezing, and coughing. The victim complains of shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The skin is pale, the eyes turn red. Headache and dizziness are common.
Thermal burns of the respiratory tract are accompanied by shortness of breath, blue skin, voice changes. On examination, you can see obvious burn injuries of the pharynx and upper palate. The patient shows anxiety, fear, which is often associated with severe pain and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, loss of consciousness occurs.
Respiratory tract burns in a fire are most common. Such an injury is characterized by damage to the lips, neck, and mouth. On examination, a burnt inner surface of the nostrils is observed. When examining secretions from the bronchi, nasal cavity, traces of soot can be found.
A burn of the respiratory tract with steam, as a rule, is accompanied by laryngospasm, without pronounced damage to the trachea, bronchi and lungs. The fact is that when hot steam is inhaled, a protective reaction is triggered in the form of an involuntary contraction of the muscles of the larynx. Therefore, this type of burn can be considered the most favorable.

Complications and consequences

Light burns of the respiratory tract of the 1st stage. usually do not cause negative consequences and are cured without much problem.

With II or III Art. a burn injury may develop complications with rather negative prognosis.

Among the most unfavorable complications are the following:

the development of emphysema - a chronic pulmonary disease, which is accompanied by the expansion of small bronchioles and a violation of the integrity of the interalveolar septa;
changes in the structure of the vocal cords;
chronic pneumonia;
insufficiency of pulmonary and cardiac function;
renal failure;
phenomena of necrosis and fibrosis in the trachea and bronchi, which can ultimately lead to death.

Diagnostics of the airway burn

Laboratory tests - biochemistry and complete blood count, general urinalysis - indicate the development of anemia and deterioration of kidney function. However, such changes do not occur immediately, but only 2-3 days after the injury.
Instrumental diagnostics is carried out using laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. A more informative diagnostic method for burns is bronchoscopy, which allows you to safely and urgently check the condition of all parts of the trachea and bronchi. Bronchoscopy makes it possible to clarify the nature of the lesion: it can be catarrhal, necrotic, erosive or ulcerative burns of the respiratory tract.
Differential diagnosis is carried out between chemical and thermal burns of the respiratory system, as well as between injuries to the mucous membrane of the respiratory and digestive tract.

The prognosis of treatment directly depends on competent and timely emergency assistance to the victim. First aid for a burn of the upper respiratory tract is carried out quickly and in stages:

the victim is taken out into the fresh air, or into a room in which further action of the damaging agent is excluded;
the patient is given a reclining position with a raised head (if he is unconscious, it is better to put him on the side so that vomit does not enter the respiratory tract);
the mouth and throat should be rinsed with water, it is possible with the addition of novocaine or another anesthetic;
for acid burns, add a little baking soda to the rinse water;
in case of an alkaline burn, it is recommended to add a little acetic or citric acid to the rinse water;
then you should call "emergency aid", or independently deliver the victim to a medical institution;
during transportation or waiting for the doctor, care must be taken to ensure that the patient maintains spontaneous breathing. If there are no respiratory movements, then artificial respiration is resorted to.

Treatment of chemical and thermal burn injuries is practically the same. The purpose of the treatment is usually as follows:

elimination of swelling of the larynx, ensuring normal respiratory function;
prevention or treatment of shock and soreness;
removal of bronchospasm;
facilitating the release of accumulated secretions from the bronchi;
prevention of the development of pneumonia;
prevention of pulmonary collapse.

During treatment, the victim should not speak, in order to avoid injury to the vocal cords (at least for 2 weeks).

The following medications are commonly used for treatment:

Pain relievers (Omnopon, Promedol).
Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs (Ibuprofen, Ketorol).
Decongestant medicines (Lasix, Trifas, Diakarb).
Desensitizing drugs (Diphenhydramine, Diazolin, Diprazin).

For example, a standard doctor's appointment for a burn of the respiratory tract may look like this:

Promedol IV, 1 ml of 1% solution for the first 2-3 days (at the same time, Atropine can be prescribed to prevent depression of the respiratory center);
Ketolong i / m from 10 to 30 mg every 8 hours (precautions: may cause pain in the stomach, dyspepsia, increased blood pressure);
Trifas orally, 5 mg once daily (loop diuretic, may cause dry mouth, low blood pressure, metabolic alkalosis);
Diprazine orally, 0.025 g up to 3 times a day (washes cause drowsiness, dry mouth, dyspepsia).

If the doctor suspects burn injury to the lungs, then the introduction of infusion solutions, antibiotics, diuretics (to eliminate puffiness) is mandatory. Intensive oxygen therapy is performed.

For the speedy restoration of tissues and support of the internal forces of the body, vitamins are prescribed:

Cyanocobalamin i / m 200-400 mcg every other day, for 2-3 weeks (caution: may cause allergies, headache, dizziness);
Neurovitan - inside, from 1 to 4 tablets / day. Duration of admission - up to 4 weeks (before starting admission, you should make sure that there is no allergy to the components).

Alternative treatment of burns of the respiratory tract

With minor burn injuries to the mucous membrane, traditional healers recommend inhaling cool air, cooling the irritated tissue.

It is also considered useful to consume liquid dairy products, especially kefir, yogurt, sour cream.

Herbal treatment is usually combined with the main treatment: only in this case, a healing effect can be expected.

Medicinal infusions based on coltsfoot, wild rose, oak bark are very helpful in relieving pain. The listed plant components are crushed and brewed with 1 tbsp. l. mixture in 250 ml of boiling water.

It is good to drink chilled green tea without sugar or other additives. Many people do not like the taste of green tea: in this case, the drink can be replaced with mint infusion.

Homeopathy

Adherents of homeopathic treatment can use these drugs as an adjunct to the main treatment, which is prescribed by the doctor.

Homeopathic treatment for burns of the respiratory tract usually lasts at least 4-5 weeks.

Prevention

A victim of respiratory tract burns in the future must adhere to certain rules and restrictions in order to avoid various complications and negative consequences.

It is important to avoid colds, infectious respiratory diseases.
Regularly visit a pulmonologist to monitor the state of the respiratory system.
Do not smoke under any circumstances and avoid inhalation of fumes, vapors and chemical vapors.
Be in the fresh air more often, avoid physical inactivity.

Forecast

In this article:

A lung burn refers to lesions of internal organs, which, unlike superficial burn injuries, proceed in a more severe form and can lead to rather serious, sometimes irreversible consequences. Such a burn can occur when inhaling hot air, combustion products or chemical vapors. Inhalation damage to the lungs does not occur in isolation, but is always combined with other burns of the respiratory tract: the mucous membrane of the nose, larynx and trachea. Similar injuries are diagnosed in 15-18% of burn patients admitted to the hospital.

An injured person who has received a lung burn should be immediately taken to the hospital for first aid and surgical treatment. Often, a burn of the respiratory system, in combination with significant damage to the skin, leads to death. Despite the timely provision of medical assistance, many patients whose bodies could not cope with the injuries inflicted die in the first three days after being injured. The resulting necrosis and pulmonary edema leads to the cessation of respiratory function.

Difficult diagnosis of lung burns exacerbates the situation. In some cases, inhalation lesions are completely asymptomatic while maintaining high laboratory parameters. Such damage can be suspected after collecting a full history and clarifying all the circumstances of the injury. Clinical examination data can be used as an indirect diagnostic method. Localization of burns on the surface of the chest, neck and face, as well as traces of soot on the tongue and in the nasopharynx, may indicate damage to the lungs. The victim often begins to choke, there may be a change in voice, vomiting of blood, coughing up sputum containing soot particles.

All these symptoms will not allow you to determine the degree and depth of the lesion. However, it is they who will help doctors make a preliminary diagnosis and provide the necessary medical care in time. Treatment for such burns begins at the scene of the accident with a thorough airway toilet and oxygen supply. In the event of edema, hypoxemia, obstruction, as well as the impossibility of emptying the airways from sputum and increased intracranial pressure resulting from brain hypoxia, ventilation support and intubation are prescribed. A burn injury to the lungs increases the victim's need for fluid by 50%. With inadequate infusion therapy, the severity of burn injury can worsen, provoking the development of various complications. Antibiotic treatment is used only in those rare cases when there are clear signs of infection.

Thermal lesions

Thermal inhalation lesions of the lungs, as a rule, occur when a fire occurs in a confined space, for example, in transport, a small living or working room. Such injuries are quite often combined with severe skin burns, cause acute respiratory failure and can lead to the death of the victim. In the first few hours, the clinical picture is characterized by uncertainty.

Defeat can be predicted by several signs and manifestations:

Impaired consciousness;
Dyspnea;
Hoarseness of the voice;
Cough with black phlegm;
Cyanosis;
Traces of soot on the mucous membrane of the pharynx and tongue;
Burned back wall of the pharynx.

The injured are hospitalized in a specialized burn center or the intensive care unit of the nearest general hospital. A thermal burn can lead to complications such as the development of respiratory failure or the onset of acute lung injury syndrome. In this case, in addition to the main treatment, respiratory support such as artificial ventilation of the lungs, nebulizer therapy and an innovative method of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be required.

Chemical damage

The main substances, the vapors of which can cause chemical burns of the respiratory tract, include various acids, alkalis, volatile oils and heavy metal salts. Cyanides and carbon monoxide are the most toxic to the human body. When burning products of oil, rubber, nylon, silk and other materials, ammonia and polyvinyl chloride are released, which is a source of chlorine, hydrochloric acid and aldehyde. All these toxic substances can cause burns to the respiratory tract and lungs.

The severity of the lesions varies and depends on several factors:

Duration of exposure;
The degree of concentration;
Temperatures;
The nature of chemicals.

The detrimental effect of aggressive agents will be more pronounced at a high concentration of solutions. However, even weakly concentrated substances with prolonged exposure to a person can lead to burns of the lungs.

Unlike thermal damage, chemical burns have a less pronounced clinical picture. Characteristic features include severe pain that occurs immediately after injury, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. A burn disrupts the normal functioning of the lungs and, without timely treatment, can lead to the development of respiratory distress syndrome, acute burn toxemia and burn shock. The last of these conditions is life-threatening.

A chemical burn of the respiratory tract rarely leads to death in patients. However, if any characteristic symptoms appear, an ambulance should be called. Doctors will quickly relieve pain, restore breathing and blood circulation. All these actions will help prevent the development of burn shock.

In the first hours after injury, it is advisable to carry out inhalations. For these purposes, with an acid burn, a weak alkali solution is used, respectively, with an alkali burn, a weak acid solution. In addition to inhalation, anti-inflammatory and hyposensitizing therapy is actively used. Since the airway injury results in trauma to the vocal cords, all victims are advised to remain silent for the first two weeks.

Thermal and chemical burns of the lungs can occur from inhalation of flames, smoke, hot air and vapors saturated with aggressive chemical elements. Such injuries are often life-threatening and often fatal. To identify all possible internal injuries and surgical treatment, the victims are immediately taken to specialized medical institutions.

In most cases (about 90 - 95%), burns affect exclusively the skin. However, sometimes there is damage to the oral or respiratory tract and the initial parts of the digestive tract, which are very difficult to treat.

Especially severe burns of the respiratory tract:

firstly, this is due to the fact that they perform vital functions.
secondly, such burns are extremely difficult to treat without the use of sophisticated and expensive equipment.

Photo 1. Respiratory tract burns are caused by fires or inhalation of chemicals. Source: Flickr (SJFD_CPR).

When hot air or chemical vapors are inhaled, mucous membranes are damaged. At the same time, processes similar to burn injuries of the skin occur in the tissues of the respiratory system.

Causes

With burns of the respiratory tract, mucosal damage which reacts with mucus secretion and muscle spasm. These processes, especially in the larynx, are the most significant, since they can cause acute respiratory failure and lead to the death of the patient.

Burn Signs

Depending on the severity of the injury to the respiratory tract, burn symptoms will vary. There are three degrees of burn injury to the respiratory tract:

Light burn accompanied by painful sensations, there is no separation of sputum and mucus from the respiratory tract at all, or they are insignificant. Breathing is not difficult, there are no voice changes;
Average degree severity is accompanied by the release of a significant amount of mucus, sputum, laryngo- and bronchospasm. The victim has difficulty breathing, his voice is hoarse, the pronunciation of vowels is painful. Fibrinous films appear in the trachea and bronchi;
Severe degree... Areas of the mucous membrane are necrotic, fibrinous films are separated, blocking the lumen of the respiratory tract. Breathing is extremely difficult or impossible, speech is very painful or absent due to the closure of the airway lumen.

It is important! The clinic of burns of the respiratory tract is growing gradually. Minor symptoms immediately after exposure to thermal or chemical factors can develop into severe respiratory failure after 8 to 12 hours.

Classification of airway burns

Depending on the factor that caused the burn of the respiratory tract, two types of mucosal damage are distinguished: and. At the same time, the latter can be caused not only by the ingress of aggressive chemicals on the mucous membranes, but also by inhalation of acid or alkali vapors:

Another division of airway burns is based on the location of the injury.

the first type includes upper respiratory tract burns(nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx):
to the second - lower respiratory tract(trachea, bronchi and their small branches).

By the type of burn

In its pure form, thermal or chemical burns of the respiratory system rarely occur, more often they are combined.

As a rule, they occur against the background of fires, accidents, accidents. Often, ignition provokes the evaporation of chemicals or, conversely, the contact of active compounds with the environment leads to the appearance of hot spots.

Chemical

Is happening by inhalation of vapors of chemical compounds due to a safety violation (ignoring the use of personal protective equipment, malfunctioning ventilation, poor-quality containers for volatile compounds), or in connection with an emergency (violation of the integrity of the container with chemical compounds, their evaporation under the influence of high temperatures).

Unlike skin burns, respiratory tract damage is only slightly variable when acid or alkali vapors are inhaled. More significant is the change in blood pH and intoxication when these substances enter the bloodstream, which can only be determined using special equipment.

Most workers in the chemical industry are often exposed to chemical burns of the respiratory tract and people in contact with a large amount of detergents, disinfectants (laboratory workers, water treatment facilities, nursing staff).

Thermal

A burn of the respiratory tract due to inhalation of hot (more than 100 ° C) air is more common in everyday life than a chemical burn. It can happen like in case of fire and during daily life(cooking on an open fire, burning old things, etc.). Most often, such injuries occur when exposed to hot air in an enclosed space.

It is important! Inhalation of carbon monoxide is an integral part of thermal burns. Prolonged stay in the place of fire, even with minor thermal damage, can lead to a serious condition, expressed by a lack of oxygen in the central nervous system.

By localization of the burn

With burns of the upper and lower respiratory tract, lesions can be localized in different parts of the larynx.

Depending on the location of the injury, both the severity of the condition and the prognosis will differ.

Nasal cavity and pharynx

Isolated injury to the upper respiratory tract is relatively rare, and occurs with a single shallow inhalation of hot air or volatile vapor.

Such cases are almost never fatal, but can cause atrophy of the mucous membrane of the affected areas, which will lead to frequent rhinitis and pharyngitis.

Pharynx

The vocal cords are the narrowest section of the airways. With their burn injury high risk of developing laryngospasm, during which possible death from asphyxia, and loss of voice.

Trachea

The defeat of the trachea never occurs in isolation. It is always combined with burns of the larynx, which significantly aggravates the condition.

In the acute phase, there is an accumulation of mucus, a decrease in the cough reflex, which, in conjunction with laryngospasm, can be fatal... In the long-term period, areas of narrowing of the trachea are formed, chronic tracheitis develops.

Lungs and bronchi

Burns directly to the lung tissue (alveoli) are impossible, since the movement of the flow of hot air or chemical vapors is stopped by the small bronchi due to their spasm. But the small bronchi themselves suffer.

The smaller the caliber of the bronchi is damaged, the more severe the condition of the victim.

As a rule, such conditions have irreversible consequences and end in death..

First medical and first aid

Providing emergency care for burns of the respiratory tract at the prehospital stage.

The victim follows take out of the scene by maximizing the access of fresh air;
If the patient is conscious, he should lie on his back with the upper half of the body raised. If there is no consciousness, lie on your side with the upper half of the body raised;
Should call an ambulance.

Medical assistance to the victim

Throughout the entire period of assistance, it is necessary to check the presence of spontaneous breathing. If it is absent, immediately begin artificial ventilation of the lungs;

The victim should introduce painkillers(analgin, ketanov) and sedatives (diphenhydramine, seduxen, relanium) drugs, preferably intramuscularly.
The skin of the face and neck should wash with cold water, rinse the mouth thoroughly.
In the presence of oxygen cylinders - provide breathing through an oxygen mask.
If the victim is not able to breathe on his own, then it is necessary: intramuscularly or intravenously inject diphenhydramine, ephedrine, or epinephrine... If the drugs are ineffective for 1 - 2 minutes, you should spend tracheostomy... The procedure can be performed using any available means, but only if you have special skills.

Diagnostics of the type and degree

At the prehospital stage it is important to establish the type of burn(thermal or chemical), depending on the circumstances of the incident. The victim or witnesses of the incident are interviewed and the situation at the scene of the incident is assessed, paying attention to the presence of containers with chemicals and fires. The severity of the burn is presumably based on the person's symptoms.

At the hospital stage, an examination by an otorhinolaryngologist, a pulmonologist, radiography chest and bronchoscopy... It is also possible to conduct a laboratory study of the outgoing sputum or mucus.

The main diagnostic method is bronchoscopy, which allows you to visually assess the state of the airways.

Respiratory tract burn treatment

Therapeutic measures for such lesions of the respiratory system are divided into earlyand distant... The first ones are carried out within 24 - 48 hours after receiving a burn and are associated with a threat to the victim's life, while the distant ones continue until complete recovery.

Drug treatment

Includes the use of the following groups of drugs:

Respiratory center stimulants (sulfocamphocaine, caffeine-sodium benzoate);
Glucocorticoids both in the form of inhalation and injections;
Analgesics and antispasmodics;
Detoxification therapy (drip injection of protein and saline solutions, diuretics);
Inhalation of humidified oxygen.

In case of a burn of 2 - 3 degrees, it is necessary to carry out antibacterial and pain reliever therapy. Wherein, the use of narcotic analgesics is prohibited because they depress the respiratory center.

In a later period, treatment is applied mucolytic and expectorant drugs (ACC, ambroxol), fight against secondary infection, post-burn narrowing of the airways (fibrinolytic enzymes, antispasmodics, glucocorticoids are used).

Photo 2. After the burn, the victims are often coughing.

Inhalation of hot gaseous substances, incandescent air may cause thermal burns of the respiratory tract. Hoarseness, redness of the mucous membrane of the mouth with whitish deposits and traces of soot indicate burns of the respiratory tract.

Treatment

First aid

First aid for burn injury should be directed to the elimination of the thermal agent (flame) and cooling of the burned areas. Cooling is achieved by using cold water, ice bubbles, snow for at least 10-15 minutes. After pain relief, an aseptic bandage is applied, metamizole sodium, warm tea, and mineral water are given. Patients are wrapped warmly. The use of medical dressings at the first aid stages is contraindicated.

Before transportation, patients are injected with painkillers, antipsychotics, antihistamines. The duration of transportation should not exceed 1 hour. For longer transportation, intravenous administration of blood-substituting and electrolyte solutions, oxygen therapy and anesthesia (dinitrogen oxide), abundant alkaline drinks, and the introduction of cardiovascular agents are required.

Local treatment of burns

For the local treatment of burn wounds, two methods are used: closed and open. First, the primary toilet of the burn wound is produced. With tampons moistened with 0.25% ammonia solution, 3-4% boric acid solution or warm soapy water, the skin around the burn is washed from contamination, after which it is treated with alcohol. Remove scraps of clothing, foreign bodies, exfoliated epidermis. Large bubbles are incised and their contents are released, small ones are often not opened. Fibrin deposits are not removed, as wound healing occurs under them. Very dirty areas of the burn surface are cleaned with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. The burn surface is dried with sterile wipes.

As a rule, the primary toilet of a burn wound is performed after preliminary introduction of 1-2 ml of a 1% solution of trimeperidine or morphine under the skin.

Private method(treatment under a bandage) is more common and has a number of advantages: it isolates the burned surface, creates optimal conditions for local drug treatment of burn wounds, and ensures more active behavior of patients with significant burns and their transportation. Its disadvantages are laboriousness, high consumption of dressings and soreness of dressings.

Deprived of all these shortcomings open method treatment. With it, the formation of a dense scab on the burnt surface is accelerated under the influence of the drying effect of air, UV irradiation or lubrication with substances that cause coagulation of proteins. However, with this method of treatment, it becomes difficult to care for victims with extensive deep burns, there is a need for special equipment (cameras, special frames with electric bulbs), there is an increased risk of nosocomial infection, etc.

Each of the methods has certain indications, so they should not be opposed, but rationally combined.

Superficial burns of II and IIIa degree with an open method of treatment heal on their own. This method should be used for burns of the face, genitals, perineum. A burn wound with an open method of treatment is lubricated 3-4 times a day with an ointment containing antibiotics (5-10% chloramphenicol emulsion) or antiseptic agents (0.5% nitrofural ointment). With the development of suppuration, it is advisable to apply bandages. If deep burns are detected and granulating wounds form from an open method of treatment, it is also better to switch to a closed one.

Currently, mafenide is successfully used in the form of a 5% aqueous solution or 10% ointment, especially in cases where the microflora of burn wounds is insensitive to antibiotics. Preparations containing silver and sulfonamides on a non-hydrophilic basis (sulfadiazine) are becoming widespread. They have a pronounced antibacterial effect, promote epithelialization at the optimum time.

With a favorable course, II degree burns independently epithelize within 7-12 days, III degree - by the end of the 3-4th week after the burn.

With deep burns, the formation of a scab lasts 3-7 days, according to the type of wet or coagulation (dry) necrosis. In the first case, the spread of necrosis, a pronounced suppurative process, and intoxication are noted. Rejection of dry burn scab begins from 7-10 days with the formation of a granulation shaft and ends by 4-5 weeks. Step by step, the burn scab is separated from the underlying tissues and removed.

With deep burns in the first 7-10 days, the main task is to create a dry burn scab by drying the burn surface with a Solux lamp, using UV radiation, and treating with 1-5% potassium permanganate solution. To accelerate the rejection of the scab, use chemical necrectomy, proteolytic enzymes, 40-50% salicylic or benzoic acid.

Surgery

Surgical treatment consists of a number of operations: necrotomy and necrectomy, autodermoplasty, limb amputation and restorative and reconstructive operations.

Necrectomy is performed with deep burns, it is carried out as early as possible (1-3 days), but after removing the patient from the state of shock. Extensive necrectomies are best performed on the 4th-7th day; at a later date, there is a great danger of generalization of the infection. At one time, necrectomy should not exceed 25-30% of the body surface.

Indications for early necrectomy:

1) deep burns of 10-20% of the body, when autodermoplasty can be performed at the same time;

2) hand burns, when it is necessary to prevent the formation of rough scars that disrupt the functioning of the hand;

3) old age of patients (to prevent the development of infection and more rapid activation of patients).

Autodermoplasty- the only way to treat deep burns (IIIb-IV degree). For autodermoplasty, a split skin flap (dermatome plastic), a full-thickness skin flap, a flap on a feeding vascular pedicle, a migrating stem (according to Filatov) are used. The graft (0.2-0.4 mm thick) is taken from the surface of healthy skin, preferably from symmetrical sides, using a dermatome. Autodermoplasty is performed under local or general anesthesia.

In order to close the burn surface with deep burns, cultured autofibroblasts or human fetal fibroblasts are used. The method stimulates skin regeneration, which is especially pronounced when the elements of the growth zone of the skin are preserved (burns of III b degree). The transplantation of cultured fibroblasts is combined with autodermoplasty with a split mesh flap.

General principles of treatment and resuscitation

Treatment of burned in a state of shock begins with first aid and continues in the hospital. At the prehospital stage, it is necessary to provide: 1) rest, bandaging; 2) the introduction of analgesics and antihistamines, during transportation with extensive burns - the introduction of fentanyl and droperidol, inhalation of drugs in combination with oxygen; 3) fight against general cooling (wrapping, warm drinks, heating pads); 4) compensation for plasma loss (intake of alkaline solutions, parenteral administration of fluids).

In the hospital, the patient is placed in an anti-shock ward. The main task is to restore hemodynamic parameters and replenish fluid loss: 1) the appointment of analgesics, the introduction of antihistamines (diphenhydramine, chloropyramine, promethazine), the appointment of fentanyl and droperidol; 2) improving the activity of the heart (cardiac glycosides); 3) improvement of microcirculation (administration of aminophylline, intravenous administration of droperidol and 0.25% procaine solution); 4) the use of hydrocortisone (125-250 mg) or prednisolone (60-90 mg) with the replenished volume of fluid in severe cases of shock; 5) oxygen inhalation; 6) normalization of renal function (mannitol, furosemide - in mild cases, intravenous administration of 20% sorbitol solution - in severe cases); 7) early appointment of a bacteriophage, staphylococcal toxoid; 8) infusion-transfusion treatment: administration of blood plasma preparations (native and dry plasma, albumin, protein, fibrin), hemodynamic normalizing agents (dextran [average molecular weight 50,000-70,000], gelatin, dextran [average . weight 30 000-40 000]), preparations of detoxification action (Povidone + Sodium chloride + Potassium chloride + Calcium chloride + Magnesium chloride + Sodium bicarbonate), water-salt solutions (10% dextrose solution, Sodium acetate + Sodium chloride + Potassium chloride , Sodium acetate + Sodium chloride).

With a burn with a total area of more than 10% of the body surface, burn shock may develop. If it does not come, then you should still carry out preventive measures, apply remedies (anesthesia, replenishment of plasma loss, use of anti-shock blood substitutes).

It should be borne in mind that the greatest loss of fluid occurs in the first 8-12 hours and lasts about 2 days. With extensive burns, the daily loss of plasma reaches 6-8 liters, protein - 70-80 g and more.

There are various formulas for calculating the volume of injected fluid, the main provisions of which can be summarized as follows: 1) the volume of transfusion agents should not exceed 10% of the patient's body weight; 2) in the first 8 hours after receiving a burn, one second or two thirds of the daily volume of liquid is injected; 3) on the 2nd and 3rd days, the volume of the injected fluid is no more than 5% of the patient's body weight.

A burn of the respiratory tract is damage to body tissues that occurs under the influence of high temperatures, alkalis, acids, heavy metal salts, radiation, etc. Depending on the reasons that caused the burn injury, chemical, thermal and radiation burns are emitted. To alleviate the condition of the victim, it is necessary to be able to provide first aid, which helps prevent the development of complications.

URT burn - dangerous with complications

Clinical picture

Often, the respiratory tract affects the tissues of the face, head, neck and even the chest. Symptoms are as follows:

severe pain in the nasopharynx and sternum;
increased pain when inhaling;
labored breathing
increased body temperature;
swelling of the nasopharynx;
necrotic spots on the mucous membranes;
skin burns in the neck and face
damaged skin around the lips;
swelling of the mucous membranes;
damage to the outer laryngeal ring, which causes laryngeal stenosis and suffocation.
painful swallowing;
nasal, hoarseness, hoarseness.

Medical diagnostics, including laboratory tests, laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, can fully assess the nature and extent of the lesions.

In the first twelve hours, the patient has airway edema and bronchospastic syndrome. The inflammatory process can cover the lower respiratory tract and lungs.

Burn symptom - pain

Burn therapy

Timely and correct first aid and long-term rehabilitation are a guarantee of a favorable prognosis. In case of a burn of the respiratory tract, emergency care consists of several stages:

before the arrival of the ambulance team, the person is transferred to fresh air;
the body should be in a reclining position. It is advisable to slightly raise the upper part of the case. If the victim has lost consciousness, then lay him on his side so that he does not suffocate from vomit;
the oral cavity and nasopharynx should be rinsed with water at room temperature. Procaine or another moderately active anesthetic can be added to the water;
for burns with acids, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is added to the water, and with alkali - citric or acetic acid;
during transportation to a medical facility and before the arrival of an ambulance, monitor the victim's breathing. In the absence of rhythmic respiratory movements, artificial ventilation of the lungs is indispensable.

Treatment for chemical and thermal burns of the respiratory tract is aimed at relieving swelling of the larynx and pain syndrome, ensuring normal access of oxygen to the body, preventing the development of bronchospastic syndrome, ensuring the outflow of fluid secreted by the affected tissues from the bronchi and lungs, and preventing a decrease in the lung lobe.

First aid for burns of the upper respiratory tract

The patient is prescribed analgesics, anti-inflammatory, decongestant and antibiotic drugs. It is advisable not to strain the vocal cords for a crescent and carry out regular inhalations.

Chemical burns with acids and chlorine

Acids, alkalis, salts of heavy metals are detrimental to the delicate mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Hazards are sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrogen chloride (HCl). often accompanied by necrotic lesions that threaten the victim's life. Dead tissues under the influence of hydrochloric acid acquire a dark blue hue, and under the influence of acetic acid - a greenish color. The victim needs to rinse and cleanse the nasopharynx under running water. Rinsing continues for twenty minutes.

Toxic chlorine causes burns

Chlorine is no less toxic, when working with which you should use a gas mask. Chlorine is an asphyxiant gas that, if it enters the lungs, causes lung tissue burns and suffocation. The victim must be immediately taken out of the room in which there are high concentrations of a poisonous poisonous substance. In the first minutes, the mucous membrane swells and there is a strong burning sensation and hyperemia. The painful condition is accompanied by a cough, rapid and labored breathing is observed.

Flush the nasopharynx and mouth with a 2% baking soda solution prior to the arrival of the emergency medical service.

In case of severe pain syndrome, injection of anesthetic drugs is allowed. Do not forget about your own protection: during the provision of emergency care, you must wear rubber gloves and a cotton-gauze bandage.

Thermal burn of the respiratory tract

Thermal burns of the upper respiratory tract result from the inhalation of hot air, steam, or the ingress of hot liquid into the body. The victim is diagnosed with a state of shock and severe narrowing of the bronchi caused by muscle contraction. With thermal burns, lung tissue is affected. Edema, inflammation occur, the skin is damaged, and circulatory disorders are noted.

Thermal damage to the respiratory system often proceeds with complications. To alleviate the condition of the victim, first aid for a burn of the upper respiratory tract is carried out as follows:

transfer the patient from the heat-affected zone;
rinse your mouth with clean water at room temperature;
give the patient enough cool, non-carbonated water to drink;
to prevent hypoxia, wear an oxygen mask on the patient.
in case of minor burns, transport the victim to the nearest hospital on your own.

Degree of VAR burns

Preventive actions

Strengthen your immune system, beware of drafts, dress for the weather and refuse to visit crowded places during epidemics. Acute respiratory diseases are dangerous for a weakened organism;
visit your otolaryngologist and pulmonologist regularly;
quit smoking cigarettes and do not inhale vapor and combustion products;
wear a gauze bandage when using household chemicals;
ventilate the premises;
spend as much time outdoors as possible.