What are common signs of airway injury in burn patients?

The identification of common signs of airway injury in burn patients is critical for prompt diagnosis and management. Hoarseness, stridor, and singed nasal hair are particularly indicative of potential airway compromise.

Hoarseness can suggest laryngeal edema or irritation, while stridor, a high-pitched sound during inhalation, may indicate an obstruction or narrowing of the upper airway. Singed nasal hair is often a direct sign of exposure to superheated air or flames, indicating that the airway may have been subjected to thermal injury. Together, these signs form a clear picture of an airway injury that necessitates further assessment and possibly intervention.

The other options present signs or symptoms that may be relevant in other contexts but are not as specific to airway injury in the context of burns. For example, difficulty breathing and lip swelling could arise from various causes not limited to airway injury, while coughing and sneezing are generally not specific indicators of airway damage in a burn scenario. Rapid breathing and wheezing might occur in response to other respiratory conditions but do not highlight the acute concerns associated with airway burns as effectively as the signs mentioned.