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.
Airway obstruction - acute upper; Choking
Causes of acute upper airway obstruction include:
Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but some symptoms are common to all types of obstruction.
Physical examination may show:
Tests are usually not necessary, but may include:
If the person 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.
Prompt treatment is often successful. However, the condition is dangerous and may be fatal, even if treated.
Inability to relieve the obstruction can cause:
|
|
Reviewer Info: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic (10/2/2008).; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 02/11/2009 |