This evening, while eating at a restreaunt, something in the back kitchen happened to catch fire. The restraunt became smokey, but the smoke wasn’t fog-like. I waited in the lobby with my family for a few minutes while everyone was evacuating because a stupid waiter detained my dad to get payment. The smoke didn’t burn my throat when I breathed it. I need to know two things:
Is this a medical emergency? Do I need to get treatment immediately? I hoping it isn’t because I can hardly afford an ambulance and an emergency room visit.
First, insert the usual stuff about I’m not giving medical advice over the internet, and if you in any way believe that you need medical attention to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.
The concerns with smoke inhalation is two fold. First is displacement of O2 in the blood by CO and other gases. Second is actual burning of the airway can cause swelling and constriction, making it difficult to breath.
With that out of the way, I cant say for sure…you need to let us know more.
Do you feel short of breath, or like you can’t catch your breath? Does your throat feel funny or scratchy? Is your skin unusually red or bright? Do you feel dizzy or loopy? Any headache, blurred vision, ringing in the ears? How about any nausea or vomiting? Any medical history that would complicate the situation?
If I had to take a 50 cent guess, from the situation you describe I’d say no, but we really do need more information.
It’s been a little over an hour since it happened. I have had some coughing but not much else. What worries me is that symptoms can be delayed for almost two days according to the research I’ve done.