Evaluation of an irritant inhalational injury begins with a history and physical examination.

The physical exam is usually normal in those who have minor inhalational injury.

Physical findings in someone with moderate to severe irritant inhalational injury include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Nose, mouth or throat redness
• Fever
• Abnormal lung sounds:
• During examination with a stethoscope
• Rapid respiratory rate
• Cyanosis
• Confusion
• Lethargy:
• Excessive sleepiness

Tests that may be used to evaluate moderate to severe irritant inhalational injury may include:

• Chest x-ray
• Bronchoscopy
• Pulse oximetry (blood oxygen levels)
• Pulmonary function tests
• Sputum culture