Rookletsel

Rookletsel is a Dutch medical term for injury caused by smoke exposure, most commonly resulting from inhalation during or after a fire. It encompasses damage to the airways and lungs as well as systemic effects from toxic combustion products such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. The concept is used in medical, emergency response, and occupational safety contexts in the Netherlands and Belgium and is generally equivalent to the English term smoke inhalation injury.

The injury results from inhalation of hot gases and irritant and toxic compounds released by burning materials. Primary mechanisms include thermal injury to the upper airway, chemical irritation of the mucosa, and systemic toxicity from carbon monoxide and other gases. Particulates and irritants can cause edema and airway obstruction.

Symptoms vary with severity but commonly include throat or lung irritation, coughing, hoarseness, wheeze, chest pain, shortness of breath, and confusion. Delayed pulmonary edema or bronchospasm can develop hours after exposure. Hypoxia may be present; pulse oximetry can be unreliable in carbon monoxide poisoning.

Diagnosis is based on history of exposure, clinical examination, and supportive tests such as carboxyhemoglobin level or CO-oximetry, arterial blood gas, chest imaging if indicated, and airway assessment for edema.

Treatment focuses on removing the person from exposure and providing high-flow oxygen. Airway protection and ventilation may be needed in severe cases. Bronchodilators may help with bronchospasm; cyanide poisoning may require specific antidotes in appropriate settings. Monitoring for delayed complications is important.

Prevention includes fire safety measures such as smoke detectors, adequate ventilation, protective equipment for workers, and proper evacuation planning and training.

Rookletsel combines rook (smoke) and letsel (injury) in Dutch, and is used in Dutch-language medical literature.