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Alternative Names Return to top
Airway obstruction - acute upper; ChokingDefinition Return to top
An acute upper airway obstruction is a blockage of the upper airway, which can be in the trachea, laryngeal (voice box), or pharyngeal (throat) areas.
Causes Return to top
Acute upper airway obstruction may have any of a number of causes including viral and bacterial infections, fire or inhalation burns, chemical burns and reactions, allergic reactions, foreign bodies, and trauma. The blockage can be complete or partial. Mild obstruction may result in air hunger, while more severe obstruction can lead to cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes caused by lack of oxygen in the blood), confusion, or unconsciousness. Complete obstruction, if not corrected, leads to rapid suffocation and death.
Symptoms of acute upper airway obstruction are dramatic and easy to diagnose. The individual may suddenly begin having difficulty breathing or be unable to breathe at all. Cyanosis, unconsciousness, and death may rapidly follow a large or total obstruction.
Common causes of acute upper airway obstruction include:
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but some symptoms are common to all types of obstruction.
Exams and Tests Return to top
Physical examination may show decreased breath sounds. Tests are usually not necessary, but may include x-rays, bronchoscopy, and laryngoscopy.
Treatment Return to top
If the victim has a complete obstruction and is unable to speak or breathe, the Heimlich maneuver may be lifesaving. Treatment depends on the cause of the blockage. Objects lodged in the airway may be removed with a laryngoscope or bronchoscope. A tube may be inserted into the airway (endotracheal tube or nasotracheal tube). Sometimes an opening is made directly into the airway (tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy).
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Prompt treatment is often successful. However, the condition is dangerous and may be fatal, even if treated.
Possible Complications Return to top
Inability to relieve the obstruction can cause breathing failure, brain damage, or death.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Airway obstruction is an extreme emergency. It is a good idea to learn 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, and use what knowledge and materials you have to maintain breathing until medical help arrives.
Prevention Return to top
Prevention is dependent on the cause of the upper airway obstruction. See the individual diseases in the above section for more information.
Update Date: 7/25/2007 Updated by: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |