In moderate or major thermal burns, which airway management step is recommended if there are signs of airway burn?

In moderate or major thermal burns, which airway management step is recommended if there are signs of airway burn?

• A. Intubation only
• B. Humidified oxygen only
• C. Intubation and humidified oxygen
• D. Tracheostomy

Answer: (C)

Early airway protection is essential when there are signs of airway burn because inhalation injury can cause rapid swelling of the larynx and trachea. The safest approach is to secure the airway with endotracheal intubation before edema worsens, then support oxygen delivery with humidified oxygen. Endotracheal intubation ensures a protected airway and enables reliable ventilation, while humidified oxygen keeps the airway mucosa moist, reduces drying and crusting, and improves comfort and secretion clearance. Tracheostomy isn’t the initial move in the acute phase because it’s more invasive and difficult to perform safely in the setting of evolving edema and an uncertain airway. It’s typically considered later if prolonged ventilation is needed or if intubation cannot be achieved or maintained.

Early airway protection is essential when there are signs of airway burn because inhalation injury can cause rapid swelling of the larynx and trachea. The safest approach is to secure the airway with endotracheal intubation before edema worsens, then support oxygen delivery with humidified oxygen. Endotracheal intubation ensures a protected airway and enables reliable ventilation, while humidified oxygen keeps the airway mucosa moist, reduces drying and crusting, and improves comfort and secretion clearance.

Tracheostomy isn’t the initial move in the acute phase because it’s more invasive and difficult to perform safely in the setting of evolving edema and an uncertain airway. It’s typically considered later if prolonged ventilation is needed or if intubation cannot be achieved or maintained.