Respiratory Burns during Oxygen Therapy

¹ Fellow in Pulmonary Diseases, The Hospital of St. Raphael; presently at Grasslands Hospital, Valhalla, New York
² Pulmonary Laboratory Technician, The Hospital of St. Raphael
³ Director, Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Inhalation Therapy, The Hospital of St. Raphael

A unique case of flame burns of the respiratory tract occurred during oxygen therapy. In this patient, prior to the onset of respiratory complications, there appeared to be a classical latent period requiring constant observation and attention. The tracheotomy was advantageous in removing the excessive secretions and necrotic tissue, and also facilitated the attachment of a ventilator. Large doses of steroids were definitely beneficial in relieving the severe bronchospasm. The importance of controlled volume ventilation is manifest.