By: C Balakrishnan, A D Tijunelis, D M Gordon, J K Prasad
June 1996

Abstract

Injury to the respiratory tract from inhalation of steam, although rare, often leads to acute pulmonary insufficiency. The injury to the alveolar epithelium results in increased pulmonary capillary permeability, pulmonary oedema and interfering abnormalities in gas exchange. Vigorous treatment should be instituted in these patients to obtain optimal outcome.