Overview
Smoke and fumes can burn airways and cause swelling that gets worse over hours.
Carbon monoxide and cyanide from fires can also poison the body.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Trouble breathing
- Hoarse voice
- Soot in nose or mouth
Less common
- Cough
Look up a symptom: Cough · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs
When to get medical care
Call 911Call 911 now for: trouble breathing, hoarse voice, soot in nose or mouth.
Get care todayMilder symptoms that could be early signs.
See a doctor soonQuestions about lowering your risk.
Causes
Smoke, chemicals.
Who is more likely to get it
- Firefighters and factory workers: Higher risk
- People mixing cleaning products: Higher risk
Possible complications
- Pneumonia: After lung damage
Diagnosis
This is diagnosed in the emergency room or hospital.
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Exam:
Treatment
Emergency care is needed. While waiting for help:
Self-care
- Get to fresh air
- Call 911
Prevention
To lower your risk or prevent problems:
- Smoke alarms
- Never mix bleach and ammonia
Which doctor treats this
- Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
- They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).
Living with it
Support groups and helplines
- American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Firefighters and people in house fires: Highest risk.
For caregivers
- Go to visits when you can and take notes.
- Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
- Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
- Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.
Outlook
Most recover with care.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What follow-up care do I need?
- How can I prevent this from happening again?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Lung injury from chemical fumes or smoke
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.