health

Burns are caused by exposure to a source of heat, whether direct flame,
electricity, radiation, contact with a hot object, or chemicals. Airway
burns are caused by breathing in steam, heated air from a fire, or smoke
and toxic gases.
Symptoms of first-degree burns include pain and reddening of the
affected area. Second-degree burns produce blisters as well as reddened
skin and pain. Third-degree burns are painless because the nerve endings
in the affected area have been destroyed. The affected skin may be white
or charred, and is usually dry or leathery.

The symptoms of airway burns include:

• Charred or burned mouth and lips; burns on the face or neck
• Wheezing and difficulty breathing
• Singed nose hairs or eyebrows
• Coughing
• Dark soot-colored mucus being coughed up
• Changed voice