Patient education: Smoke inhalation – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is smoke inhalation? — 

This is when you breathe in the air, smoke, heat, or fumes from a fire. Particles in the air and the chemicals in the fumes can damage your lungs.

You can have smoke inhalation if you are in or near a fire, or if you breathe in smoke from wildfires. You can be affected by smoke from wildfires even if you are many miles away. Smoke inhalation can make heart or lung problems worse.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also do the following:

●Suck on hard candy or cough drops to soothe sore throat and cough.

●Do the breathing exercises the doctor or nurse taught you to help keep your lungs clear. Try to do them every few hours while awake.

●Do not smoke or be in smoke-filled places. Also, do not vape or smoke cannabis. Avoid things that can cause breathing problems like fumes, pollution, dust, and other common allergens.

●If you were given an inhaler to help you breathe, make sure you know how and when to use it. Carry it with you all the time.

●Take over-the-counter medicine to help you cough up mucus, if needed. Follow the directions on the label carefully.

●If there are wildfires nearby:

•Limit your time outside.

•Wear a face mask when outside (figure 1).

•Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.

•Use an air filter, if you have one.

What follow-up care do I need? — 

Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure you know when and where to go.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:

●Are having so much trouble breathing you can only say 1 or 2 words at a time

●Need to sit upright to breathe, or cannot lie down

●Are very tired from working to catch your breath, or are sweating from trying to breathe

●Cough up large amounts of blood (more than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL)

Call for advice if you:

●Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills

●Have trouble breathing when talking or sitting still

●Are more tired than normal, or have more breathing trouble than usual with activity

●Have wheezing or mild trouble breathing even after using your inhaler a few times

●Cough up a small amount of blood (less than 1 teaspoon, or 5 mL)

●Cough up green or yellow mucus

●Have new or worsening symptoms

More on this topic

Patient education: Smoke inhalation (The Basics)
Patient education: Breathing exercises (The Basics)