The breathing in of smoke, as in a fire.
Excessive breathing of smoke during a fire. The inhalation of smoke can cause serious lung damage. Many people who die from fires have both smoke inhalation and burns. Smoke inhalation injury happens because smoke contains toxic fuel by-products and sometimes contains fine solid particles, all of which can injure the lungs. Smoke inhalation symptoms include irritated eyes, gasping for breath, and coughing up black sputum.
Smoke is made up of small particles of carbon in hot air and gases. The particles are covered with organic chemicals and smoke may also contain carbon monoxide and acids. When smoke is inhaled, the effects on breathing may be immediate or delayed, depending upon the density of smoke and its composition. Laryngeal stridor (obstruction of the larynx), lack of oxygen and pulmonary oedema are life-threatening symptoms that require urgent treatment. Immediate removal of the victim from the smoke is imperative, as is the administration of oxygen. The victim may require admission to an intensive care unit.