Respiratory burns are often caused by fire, especially in closed rooms, closed vehicles, etc.; burns from explosions in mines, explosions of steam boilers under high pressure. Respiratory burns can also be caused by hot liquids, liquid chemicals that cause burns and choking when falling headfirst, such as falling into a hot lime pit.

The progression of burn infection depends on many factors such as area, depth of burn, patient's health, comorbidities... causing diverse clinical manifestations.