Which signs indicate an airway burn?

• A. Hoarseness
• B. Soot in Mouth
• C. Singed Hair
• D. All of the Above

Answer: (D)

Signs of an airway burn point to inhalation injury affecting the airway. Hoarseness arises from swelling and inflammation of the larynx, which can narrow the airway and change the voice. Soot in the mouth indicates that combustion particles were inhaled, signaling exposure to irritants that can inflame and damage the airway from the mouth down into the trachea and beyond. Singed hair around the nose or mouth is a clear cue that heat exposure occurred near the face, suggesting potential thermal injury to the upper airway. When these signs appear together, they collectively raise the suspicion for an airway burn more strongly than any single sign alone, making it the best indicator that inhalation injury is present.