What is upper airway inhalation injury?

Leading one is heat injury (in oro-nasopharynx), result in erythema, ulceration and edema. If combined burn and inhalation injury, aggressive fluid admin will promote edema formation. Burns to face and neck can also cause anatomic distortion or external compression of upper airway complicating airway management. Damage to ciliary function can also be a cause of increased risk of infection for several weeks, and increased thick secretion can lead to distal wall obstruction, atelectasis and impaired gas exchange