Inhalation injury.

It is suggested that in patients exposed to the danger of smoke inhalation injury, whether or not they are also burned, the first requirement is extreme vigilance since the manifestations of inhalation injury are usually considerably delayed. Secondly, if evidence of this respiratory syndrome appears, steroids should be administered forthwith in substantial doses. Thirdly, where exposure to inhalation injury is known to have been severe, steroids should be used immediately, without awaiting development of respiratory distress.