Tracheal stenosis complicating cutaneous burns: an underestimated problem.

Upper airway obstruction complicating thermal injury is usually considered as an acute problem that occurs during the initial 24 h after exposure. We report 3 patients who developed symptomatic upper airway obstruction caused by severe tracheal stenosis late in the course of burn management. The interaction of inhalation airway injury, mechanical trauma from tracheal intubation, and other etiologic factors commonly present in this setting demands close monitoring for this potential problem, and careful reconsideration of the indications for "prophylactic" intubation.