Serious smoke inhalation can lead to damage to the smaller airways deeper down in the respiratory system. These airways may become blocked by damaged material. The minute hairs, or cilia, that line these airways and help to ferry contaminants out the respiratory system may also be damaged. In this case, the patient may find breathing more and more difficult. There is also a risk of developing pneumonia, or even complete respiratory failure.
Asphyxiation occurs when the body fails to get sufficient supplies of oxygen to the tissues.
Inhaling smoke blocks the intake of oxygen, and boosts levels of carbon monoxide. Pollutants contained in smoke can trigger the immune system to go into overdrive, resulting in damage to the tissues. The immune system produces chemicals called cytokines which seek out and helps neutralise inhaled contaminants.