Smoke Inhalation Health Video

Smoke inhalation is a condition caused by inhaling fumes or gases of combustion (inflamed material). Learn more about smoke inhalation, including symptoms and treatments, in this health video.

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Check for good ventilation
Don't stand down wind from a fires
Follow your doctor's recommendations

About this Author

Dr. Ulrich joined On Call Medical Group in 2006. She had previously practiced at Doctors Medical Center in Richmond, Calif., and prior to that worked with the uninsured and homeless population of San Francisco at the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic. Throughout her medical career, Dr. Ulrich as also been involved in numerous medical research studies. Dr. Ulrich holds a B.S. from Harvard University, an M.P.H. for the University of California at Berkeley, and an M.D. from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

SKYLAR ULRICH, MD: I'm Dr. Skylar Ulrich. I'm going to talk about smoke inhalation. Smoke inhalation results from prolonged exposure to smoke fumes. The symptoms of smoke inhalation may be headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, change in mental status, cough, or difficulty breathing. The treatment of smoke inhalation is generally supportive and depends on the extent of the exposure. Supportive care may be enough; however, in other cases of severe smoke inhalation, supplemental oxygen may be required and/or intubation in some cases. It's very important to monitor a person who has been exposed to excessive smoke inhalation for the development of symptoms of pulmonary compromise. Prevention of smoke inhalation is making sure that in areas where there is a fire, there is good ventilation, leaving windows open, making sure you're not standing downwind from an outdoor fire, taking care with barbecue pits, and being careful in the kitchen while cooking.

Smoke Inhalation Health Video

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