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How much smoke?


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From a small kitchen fire from a pot that was accidentally left turned on prior to leaving the house. This created very thick veil of gray smoke which was discovered upon returning and opening the door. Exposure time was minimal, maybe 45 seconds total, enough to enter and "open doors and retrieve pets". However, the smoke was from ceiling to floor (both floors) and very poor visibility. Symptoms are headache and nausea, no vomiting, no altered mental status, and slightly lightheaded.

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There are two phases, immediate.. Which involves deoxygenate on with elevated carboxyhemoglobin.. And delayed, ( which is a form of shock lung or ards).. Which is a pneumonitis resulting from the heat, the chemical and smoke inhalation, etc, and is manifest with progressive shortness of breath, hypoxia, tachycardia, tachypnea, etc.

 

Generally incidental exposures to smoke like this result in a couple days of coughing.. But worsening cough or dyspnea should get evaluated.

VR

davis

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