Airway obstruction (patient information)
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Airway obstruction |
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Airway obstruction On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click Airway obstruction
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D.[2] Phone:617-849-2629
Overview
An acute upper airway obstruction is a blockage of the upper airway, which can be in the trachea, voice box (laryngeal), or throat (pharyngeal) areas.
What are the symptoms of Airway obstruction?
Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but some symptoms are common to all types of airway blockage. They include:
- Agitation or fidgeting.
- Bluish color to the skin (cyanosis) Changes in consciousness.
- Choking.
- Confusion.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Gasping for air.
- Panic.
- Unconsciousness.
- Wheezing, crowing, whistling, or other unusual breathing noises indicating breathing difficulty.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Airway obstruction is an emergency. It is a good idea to learn how to clear an airway of a foreign body by using a method such as the Heimlich maneuver. Diseases in which airway obstruction develops over a period of hours will allow time to get to a hospital. If an acute airway obstruction occurs, call 911 or your local emergency number for medical help. Do what you can to maintain breathing until medical help arrives.
Diagnosis
Physical examination may show:
- Decreased breath sounds in the lungs
- Rapid, shallow, or slowed breathing
Tests are usually not necessary, but may include:
- Bronchoscopy
- Laryngoscopy
- X-rays
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Airway obstruction?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Airway obstruction
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible complications
Prevention
Prevention depends on the cause of the upper airway obstruction. The following methods may help prevent an obstruction:
- Eat slowly and chew food completely.
- Don't drink too much alcohol before or while eating.
- Keep small objects away from young children.
- Make sure dentures fit properly.