Inhalation Injuries Caused by Fires

One injury closely related to burns is an inhalation injury. Fires where the victim breathes in particles in the air and toxic fumes commonly cause this. It can not only damage the victim’s eyes, but can cause significant damage to their respiratory system—most significantly their lungs. If the victim previously suffered from chronic heart or lung disease, exposure to these toxic items can severely aggravate their preexisting condition.

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns are quite common. This can if you bump your arm with the curling iron or accidentally splash hot oil on yourself while cooking. Generally these are not severe; usually running cool water over the area will help lessen the pain. Remember you don’t want to use ice, but cooler water will bring some relief. Next, you will want to make sure you protect the wound by covering it with a bandage. Use one without adhesive to avoid getting the sticky stuff inside the wound. There may be some inflammation and pain, so if needed a simple over the counter pain medication can be taken. With first-degree burns, they can be treated at home and will heal in due time.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are the next up on the severity ladder. The size of the burn will determine whether emergency care should be sought out or if it can be treated at home. Usually, it will be no larger than three inches in diameter as a second-degree burn. It is important to realize that these are not just surface level skin injuries, but rather affect the next layer of the skin as well. Make sure you don’t use ice when trying to treat a burn, and, if there is blistering, whatever you do, don’t try popping it open to release the fluid. Finally, it is common to want to relieve some of the pain with ointments or butter, but this may further irritate or infect the area, so avoid all topical treatments without the advice of a doctor.

Third-Degree Burns & Fourth-Degree Burns

Third and fourth-degree burns are among the most severe types a person can receive. Not only do these affect the different layers of skin, but this intense of a burn injury can also reach as far as the bones, and the surrounding muscles and fat as well. A burn like this may also damage nerves, which would explain if you experience any form of numbness or tingling in the burn area. These burns are generally caused by a prolonged time in the flames, rather than a quick encounter with a candle, etc. This severity of burns can happen when there is a building fire, and if that is the case, there is also a possibility of inhaling too much smoke, therefore, poisoning your lungs with carbon monoxide.