If you are near a fire, you may be concerned about getting burned. However, your biggest concern should be smoke inhalation. In fact, the main cause of fire-related deaths is smoke inhalation.
Smoke from a fire contains harmful chemicals. Items burned by the fire go through a process called combustion. The rapid breakdown of molecular structure leads to smoke, which contains deadly particles and gases. The ingredients in the smoke will vary, based on what was burned, the oxygen in the fire and the temperature of the fire. Smoke may contain chemicals such as carbon monoxide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen chloride. Most smoke inhalation deaths are caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
What Causes California Wildfire Smoke Inhalation?
Smoke inhalation is a condition that damages the body because it interferes with how the body uses oxygen. It can also cause irritation or asphyxiation. This disrupts your skin and mucous membranes, causing cells to die. It can cause swelling, respiratory distress and airway collapse. It can also cause thermal damage to airways. A bronchoscopy may be used to look for damage to the airways.
Symptoms of California Wildfire Smoke Inhalation
The symptoms of smoke inhalation include the following:
- Scratchy throat
- Coughing
- Phlegm
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Irritated sinuses
- Headaches
- Stinging eyes
- Shortness of breath
- Noisy breathing
- Hoarseness
- Changes in skin color
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Coma
Those with lung or heart problems will experience more serious symptoms.
Treatment for California Wildfire Smoke Inhalation
If you are not experiencing any of the above symptoms, then you may not need immediate medical treatment. However, you should check for the ABCs: airway, breathing, and circulation. If you are having issues with any of those three, call 911 immediately. Smoke inhalation can get worse quickly and can lead to serious injury or death in just minutes.
To diagnose and treat smoke inhalation, doctors may perform a number of tests and procedures. A chest X-ray may be performed if the person is coughing or complaining of shortness of breath. Pulse oximetry can be used to determine the amount of oxygen in one’s blood. A complete blood count (CBC) and a metabolic profile can look for red blood cells and any changes to the pH of the blood.
Medications may be administered to help with pain. Sometimes surgery may be needed if the person is suffering from a persistently hoarse voice. Behavioral and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, can help.
Seek Legal Help from The Wildfire Lawyers
Smoke inhalation can often be more deadly than the actual fire itself. If you or a loved one was a victim of a wildfire, you may be dealing with smoke inhalation and not even know it.
Seek legal help from the aggressive lawyers at The Wildfire Lawyers. We can assess your case and help you receive compensation for your injuries and illness, including smoke inhalation. We can help you understand your legal rights. Contact one of our several locations throughout California. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call (888) 501-6083 or fill out the online form.