Acute toxic inhalations.

Abstract

Many inhaled toxins are capable of producing illness; either through direct pulmonary damage or by their systemic toxicity. Occupational exposures and fires are the most common sources of the numerous agents accountable for accidental inhalational injuries. When obvious historical evidence or a heightened suspicion for an acute inhalational exposure does not exist, misdiagnosis and maltreatment are likely to occur. When properly identified, recovery is likely if expedient decontamination and supportive care are provided to the victim. Preventing hypoxemia is central to the treatment of all pulmonary and systemic inhalational injuries but some cases, such as those involving organophosphate poisonings and chemical asphyxiation, antidotes are frequently critical to a patient's recovery.