What is a common symptom of an inhalation burn?

A common symptom of an inhalation burn is singed hair around the eyebrows. Inhalation burns occur when hot gases, smoke, or chemical substances are breathed in, often leading to damage to the respiratory tract. The presence of singed hair can indicate exposure to flames or intense heat, suggesting that the individual has been close to a source of fire or intense heat, which is consistent with inhalation injuries.

This symptom is particularly important for first responders to recognize, as it can help them assess the severity of the injury and the potential need for immediate medical intervention. The singed hair serves as an external indicator of thermal injury that may accompany damage to the airway, which can lead to more serious respiratory complications.

Other symptoms of inhalation burns may include coughing, difficulty breathing, and respiratory distress, but the singed hair provides visible evidence of heat exposure that aligns well with the context of an inhalation burn.