Smoke inhalation?!
Question: Smoke inhalation!?
in smoke inhalation does respiratory arrest precede cardiac arrest or vice versa!? Are bradycardias or ventricular dysrhythmias(v-fib) the initial rhythms of cardiac arrest in such a situation!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Inhalation injury from fires can affect the respiratory system in several ways!. First, smoke contains particles, many of which may be airway irritants!. Second, burned material may release noxious gases, many which are poisonous (such as carbon monoxide or cyanide)!. Third, many gases or particles are directly toxic to the airways or the human body when absorbed through the lungs!. Fourth, fires consume oxygen!. Thus, the percentage of oxygen available to breathe decreases over time!. This may lead to hypoxia!. Fifth, inhaling smoke may result in thermal burns along the airway, leading to swelling, inflammation, and possible airway closure!.
If airway injury is the main injury, the patient may suffer respiratory failure!. Ultimately, this will result in hypoxia!. One of the first bodily responses to hypoxia is to increase the cardiac output and increase the heart rate!. These tachycardias may include sinus tachycardia, v-tach, a-fib, or more!. One possibility is that these rhythms degenerate into v-fib and asystole!. Another possibility is that continued hypoxia results in cardiac injury and bradycardia!. Bradycardia may degenerate into PEA (pulseless electrical activity) and finally, asystole!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
If airway injury is the main injury, the patient may suffer respiratory failure!. Ultimately, this will result in hypoxia!. One of the first bodily responses to hypoxia is to increase the cardiac output and increase the heart rate!. These tachycardias may include sinus tachycardia, v-tach, a-fib, or more!. One possibility is that these rhythms degenerate into v-fib and asystole!. Another possibility is that continued hypoxia results in cardiac injury and bradycardia!. Bradycardia may degenerate into PEA (pulseless electrical activity) and finally, asystole!.Www@Answer-Health@Com