What are the clinical signs of inhalation injury?

The clinical signs of inhalation injury are often characterized by progressive voice changes and shortness of breath. When an individual sustains an inhalation injury, it typically results from inhaling hot air, smoke, or chemical fumes, which can lead to direct damage to the airways and lung tissues.

Progressive voice changes occur due to laryngeal edema, which can develop as a response to irritants entering the respiratory tract. This swelling can affect the vocal cords and lead to a hoarse or altered voice. Shortness of breath is another critical sign, as the inflammatory response can cause bronchospasm, increased secretions, and airway obstruction, limiting airflow and reducing the patient's ability to breathe comfortably.

While other options may include symptoms related to respiratory distress or toxicity, they do not specifically embody the typical clinical signs associated with inhalation injury like the combination of voice changes and shortness of breath does. Understanding these signs is crucial for timely recognition and management of inhalation injuries, making option B the most relevant choice.