Hello. Around 5 O'clock Today I Inhaled Some Smoke From

Posted on Sun, 9 Jun 2019

Question: Hello. Around 5 o'clock today I inhaled some smoke from a wood fire coming from the downstairs neighbors Chiminea. We had to call the town to get them to put it out. I'm reasonably certain the fire was just firewood according to the officer that was here. I was exposed to very mild smoke for about 5 mins coming in the window, then when I went out to check I walked into path of some moderate amount of smoke. The smoke was not hot. Immediately after I had some irritation in the nose and throat, but nothing major. Then at around 9:30-pm I started having some irritation in the lungs and throat and had a pretty intense bout of coughing for about 20-30 mins, This has seemed to clear up, although I can still be like a "warm" kind of irritation/presence in my lungs and throat. My voice is not hoarse. My oxygen from a finger O2 reader has been normal during this time in the mid 90s, and I've taken readings on a peak flow meter which show basically normal for me (high 500s). I have not had any serious ashtma in the last 5 years, I was previously diagnosed with mild asthma. Have not used an inhaler for 5 years. But that explains why I have a peak flow meter. Medical problems are morbid obesity, SVT (controlled), prediabetes, deconditioning, arthritis, PTSD. Meds are coreg, amlodipine, raniditine, pantoprazole, benadryl, lorazepam as needed (2 times per week approx) CBD oil, valerian, melatonin, vitamin d, fish oil.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You do not seem to have symptoms of serious smoke inhalation- further advices below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query. I am glad that it was just a few minutes of exposure to the smoke and not heat. Generally, damages in the airways can happen from both the chemicals released from combustion and from the hot air itself.

Even though there was only wood burned, chemicals are often released that might irritate the lungs. It is good that the cough has subsided and you do not seem to have hoarseness or shortness of breath. It is normal to have that warm feeling in the chest, especially after having an episode of intense coughing, it can scratch the upper airways.

To conclude:
- The cough is a normal reaction to being exposed to smoke and it is good news that the cough has subsided
- Another positive finding is that you do not have shortness of breath or hoarseness.
- I would recommend you to avoid any irritants of the airways such as smoking (even passive smoking) to help the lungs heal.
- If you develop any hoarseness or shortness of breath or if the cough comes back, it might be advisable to see a doctor. In this case, the doctor will listen to your lungs and possibly will order a chest X-ray to make sure your lungs are well. Sometimes a repeat chest X-ray might be needed if symptoms persist but the first one was normal
- Treatment generally depends on your symptoms and if findings are noticed on the examination. Generally, symptomatic treatment is indicated. If you have pain, ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours after food might be helpful.

I hope this answers your query and remain at your disposal in case any further assistance is needed.

I wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj