Medical Encyclopedia: Acute upper airway obstruction (Print Version)

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Medical Encyclopedia: Acute upper airway obstruction

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000067.htm

Alternative names

Airway obstruction - acute upper; Choking

Definition

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, incidence, and risk factors

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 and 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 significant partial or total obstruction.

Common causes of acute upper airway obstruction include:

Foreign bodies
- In adults, foreign bodies are usually aspirated chunks of meat or food. In children, peanuts are the most commonly aspirated food, but hot dogs are the most common food item associated with aspiration fatalities, because of their size and shape. Children also aspirate or choke on many nonfood items. Airway obstruction from aspirated balloon fragments, buttons, coins, and small toys is common.
Anaphylaxis
- Acute allergic reactions in which the trachea and/or throat swell closed are a common cause of airway obstruction. The classic example is an allergic reaction to a bee sting, which frequently takes the form of an anaphylactic reaction. Other common causes include allergy reaction to peanuts, antibiotics (penicillin), and blood pressure medications (group called ACE inhibitors).
Croup
- Croup may lead to a fairly rapid decrease in airway diameter and marked respiratory distress.
Epiglottitis
- Acute bacterial epiglottitis can cause rapid airway obstruction as the epiglottis swells and occludes the airway. Acute epiglottitis is preventable by vaccination against H. influenza bacteria.
Retropharyngeal abscess
- A rapidly expanding abscess can block the airway and cause respiratory distress.
Peritonsillar abscess
- Obstruction similar to retropharyngeal abscess.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but some symptoms are common to all types of obstruction.

Choking
Gasping for air
Wheezing, crowing, whistling, or other unusual breathing noises indicating breathing difficulty
Agitation or fidgeting
Panic
Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin caused by lack of oxygen)
Changes in consciousness
Unconsciousness

Signs and tests

Physical examination may show decreased breath sounds. Tests are usually not necessary, but may include X-rays, bronchoscopy, and laryngoscopy.

Treatment

If the victim has a complete obstruction and is unable to speak or breath, the Heimlich maneuver may be lifesaving. Treatment depends on the cause of the blockage. Aspirated objects may be able to be removed with laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy. A tube may need to be inserted into the airway (endotracheal tube or nasotracheal tube). Sometimes an opening needs to be made directly into the airway (tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy).

Expectations (prognosis)

Prompt treatment is often successful. However, the condition is dangerous and potentially fatal, even if treated.

Complications

Inability to relieve the obstruction can cause breathing failure, brain damage, or death.

Calling your health care provider

Airway obstruction is an extreme emergency. People should have some knowledge of procedures to clear an airway of a foreign body (such as the Heimlich maneuver). Diseases where airway obstruction develops over a period of hours 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 are available to maintain breathing until medical help arrives.

Prevention

Prevention is dependent on the cause of the upper airway obstruction. See the individual diseases in the above section for more information.

Update Date: 10/27/2003

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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