Upper Airway Obstruction

Upper airway obstruction (UAO) is defined as occlusion or narrowing of the airways leading to compromise in ventilation. Obstruction can vary from acute to chronic, from congenital to acquired, and in many cases, can be fatal if left untreated.
Special maneuvers should be learnt by everyone to manage Upper airway obstruction situations.
Symptoms

Noise while breathing

common

Difficulty breathing

  • Rapidly developing

  • Recurrent

common

Cough with mucus or without mucus

  • Dry at first then production of clear/white mucus, Dry at first then production of green mucus, Dry at first then production of yellowish-gray mucus

  • Lasting 3 weeks or less

  • Dry

  • Recurrent

common

Bluish discoloration of the skin

  • Lips, Fingernails

common

Runny nose

or Blocked nose

common

Abnormally rapid breathing

common

Loss of voice

or Strained voice

Snoring

Excessive saliva flowing

Swallowing difficulties

Pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat

Confusion

or Child is constantly crying

or Feeling agitated

Risk factors

Recent upper respiratory tract infection

Swollen/enlarged tonsils

Nasal polyps

Recent chest injury or trauma

or Recent neck injury or trauma

Swelling of deeper skin layers

Inflammation of the nose caused by allergy

Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the blockage. Objects stuck in the airway may be removed with special instruments. A tube may be inserted into the airway (endotracheal tube) to help with breathing. Sometimes an opening is made through the neck into the airway (tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy).
Recommended specialist

If you have Upper Airway Obstruction, then visit an ENT specialist as soon as possible.

Contact an

ENT specialist

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