While it seems like the majority of burns are obvious injuries on the external parts of our bodies, people can suffer from internal burns that can be even more serious because they are invisible. Toxic chemicals can burn not only our outer layer of skin, but also the mouth, windpipe, and lungs if hazardous gas is inhaled.

Damage from heat inhalation
True lung burn occurs only if you directly breathe in a hot air/flame source, or have high pressure force the heat into you. In most cases, thermal injury is confined to the upper airways, because the trachea usually shields the lung from thermal loads. However, secondary airway involvement can occur after inhalation of steam as it has a greater thermal capacity than dry air. When hot air enters the nose, damage to the mucous membranes can readily transpire as the upper airway acts as a cooling chamber.

Damage from systemic toxins
Systemic Toxins affect our ability to absorb oxygen. If someone is found unconscious or acting confused in the surroundings of an enclosed fire, systemic toxins could be a possible cause. Toxin poisoning can cause permanent damage to organs including the brain. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can appear symptomless up until the point where the victim falls into a coma.

Damage from smoke inhalation
Smoke intoxication is frequently hidden by more visible injuries such as burns as a result of fire. Which in a disaster situation can lead to not receiving the medical attention needed, due to the rescue teams taking care of the more apparent patients. Patients that appear apparently unharmed can collapse due to major smoke inhalation, 60% to 80% of fatalities resulting from burn injuries can be attributed to smoke inhalation.

If you have suffered from an inhalation burn within the last 3 years which was not your fault you may be able to make a personal injury claim. We can deal with your case and have expert solicitor’s nationwide ready to act on your behalf.

Call us now on 0800 118 5855. Or complete our online claim form and we will call you back right away.