Abstract

This case report highlights the significance of froth formation in the airways as a vital postmortem clue in burn-related deaths. A 38-year-old male was found unresponsive with partial-thickness burns covering 15–20% of his body, following a suspected fire incident in his residence. Although froth was not visible at the scene, white froth was noted oozing from the nose and mouth during autopsy. Internal examination revealed cherry-red, congested, and edematous lungs with petechial haemorrhages, and froth exuding on compression. Histopathological analysis confirmed interstitial haemorrhage and pulmonary edema. The presence of froth, coupled with respiratory tract findings, indicated ante-mortem inhalation of smoke or hot gases. Chronic smoking and acute alcohol intoxication were likely contributory factors, increasing susceptibility to inhalation injury and impairing protective reflexes. This case highlights that the absence of froth at the scene does not exclude inhalational injury, and that postmortem froth formation, although delayed, can be a crucial indicator of respiratory involvement. Thus, careful correlation of scene findings, autopsy observations, and histological evidence is essential for determining the exact cause of death in burn victims.

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