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Burns to the upper respiratory tract are usually the result of some volatile chemicals or high temperature. As a result of burns of the upper respiratory tract, the rapidly progressing swelling of the respiratory tract may significantly hinder, and in extreme cases - make it impossible to breathe. What are the symptoms of upper respiratory tract burns and what to do if it occurs?
Burns to the upper respiratory tractaffects the nasal cavity, mouth, pharynx and epiglottis. It is usually the result of some volatile chemicals.Chemical burnscan also be the result of various types of smoke, vapors and gases generated during a fire.Inhalation burncan also result from the action of thermal energy - then it can be referred to as a thermal burn, which is the most common cause of burns in the upper respiratory tract.
Burns to the upper respiratory tract: symptoms
The consequence ofupper respiratory tract burnsis swelling of the mucosa and necrotic changes within it. Thick secretion with an admixture of soot accumulates in the bronchi, the discharge of which is impossible due to damage to the ciliary epithelium. This is a type of epithelium that traps any contaminants in the air you breathe and pushes them out of your lungs and bronchi towards your nose or throat. The cough reflex is also impaired, which causes the expulsion of air from the upper respiratory tract (coughing), and with it any impurities that irritate the mucosa. As a result, substances are formed that cause bronchial obstruction.
Symptoms of burns in the upper respiratory tract are:
- face burns
- blisters on the lips
- tanned nostril hair
- burns in the mouth
- hoarseness
- expectoration of secretions with an admixture of soot
Auscultation may exacerbate the respiratory noise in the form of individual whistles and whistles.
Burns to the upper respiratory tract: treatment
The first stage of treatment of upper respiratory tract burns ispassive oxygen therapy, which prevents the occurrence or intensification of hypoxia in the body. However, it is only possible if the patient haspreserved respiratory function. In passive oxygen therapy, oxygen is administered using a nasal cannula or an oxygen mask.
The so-called bronchial tree toilet, which consists in sucking out the remaining secretions with the use of an electric suction.
If necessary, pharmacological treatment of accompanying bacterial infections is undertaken.
In the treatment of burns of the upper respiratory tract, it is important to stimulate the patient to cough or pat and vibrate the chest. You can also use inhalation of mucolytic drugs (reducing the viscosity of mucus in the respiratory tract).
In the case of acute airway obstruction, endotracheal intubation through the mouth is necessary.