# What are inhalation injuries and what are their causes? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hi-isabat-al-istinshaq-wa-ma-asbabuha Language: en Category: respiratory Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.202Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.202Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-hi-isabat-al-istinshaq-wa-ma-asbabuha Inhalation injuries are acute damage to the respiratory tract and lungs. These injuries occur when harmful or toxic substances are inhaled, such as smoke from fires, chemicals, airborne pollutant particles, or various gases [\[1\]](). Such injuries can also result from the inhalation of extreme heat, which is a type of thermal injury. Inhalation injuries are a leading cause of death in more than half of fire-related fatalities [\[1\]](). ## Causes of inhalation injuries There are many causes of inhalation injuries, involving a wide range of pollutants and harmful substances that people may encounter in different environments. Notable causes include: - **Smoke:** Smoke from fires, whether structural or wildfires, is a common cause of inhalation injuries. Fire smoke consists of a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning materials such as trees, plants, and buildings [\[3\]](). - **Chemicals:** Inhaling toxic chemical fumes or gases can lead to severe damage to the respiratory system [\[1\]](). - **Particulate pollution:** Particulate pollution, or particulate matter, consists of fine solid or liquid particles in the air, such as dust, dirt, soot, and smoke. Smaller particles (PM2.5) are more dangerous because they can reach the deep parts of the lungs or even the bloodstream [\[2\]](). - **Gases:** Certain gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and ground-level ozone are considered air pollutants that can cause inhalation injuries [\[2\]](). - **Extreme heat:** Inhaling very hot air can cause thermal burns to the respiratory tract [\[1\]](). ## How do air pollutants and smoke affect the lungs? When these harmful substances are inhaled, they interact with sensitive tissues in the respiratory tract and lungs, leading to inflammation and damage. For example, ozone can cause coughing, pain during deep breathing, lung and throat irritation, and difficulty breathing [\[2\]](). Fine particulate matter can cause irritation to the eyes, lungs, and throat, difficulty breathing, and may be linked to lung cancer and heart attacks [\[2\]](). Wildfire smoke can lead to coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, asthma attacks, and irritation of the eyes, throat, and sinuses [\[3\]](). ## Common symptoms of inhalation injuries Symptoms of inhalation injuries depend on the type of substance inhaled, but often include [\[1\]](): - Coughing with phlegm. - Sore throat or hoarseness. - Sinus irritation. - Shortness of breath. - Chest pain or tightness. - Headache. - Burning eyes. - Runny nose. If you have a chronic heart or lung condition, an inhalation injury may worsen your condition [\[1\]](). For more information on how air pollutants and smoke affect the lungs, you can visit [Inhalation Injuries: How Air Pollutants and Smoke Affect the Lungs (Arabic)](). ## When to seek emergency care? If any of the above symptoms appear after exposure to smoke or air pollutants, especially severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or worsening of chronic respiratory disease symptoms, you must seek emergency care immediately. Ensuring the airway is not obstructed is the first step in managing these injuries [\[1\]](). Initial treatments may include oxygen therapy, and in some cases, the patient may require medication or mechanical ventilation [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Inhalation Injuries]() - [Air Pollutants]() - [How Wildfire Smoke Affects Your Body]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hi-isabat-al-istinshaq-wa-ma-asbabuha#answer