Twenty-four hours after a severe burn and inhalation injury, a child develops increased tachypnea and...

Upper airway edemais a common and life-threatening complication in children followingthermal inhalation injury. Swelling usually peaks12–24 hours post-injury, leading toairway obstruction, tachypnea, and hypoxemia. It is aprimary concernin the post-burn period.

“Upper airway edema due to inhalation injury develops within 24 hours and can cause airwaycompromise. Stridor, tachypnea, and desaturation are warning signs.”

(Referenced from CCRN Pediatric – Direct Care: Pulmonary, Inhalation Injuries and Airway Management)