Airway obstruction

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Airway obstruction
Synonyms	Airway blockage
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Dyspnea, cough, wheezing, stridor, cyanosis
Complications	Respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, hypoxia
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Foreign body, allergic reaction, infection, tumor, trauma
Risks	Smoking, asthma, anaphylaxis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Diagnosis	Physical examination, imaging studies, bronchoscopy
Differential diagnosis	Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism
Prevention	Avoidance of known allergens, smoking cessation, vaccination
Treatment	Heimlich maneuver, bronchodilator, corticosteroids, surgery, tracheostomy
Medication	Epinephrine, albuterol, antibiotics
Prognosis	Depends on cause and promptness of treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	Variable, depending on cause and treatment

Diagram showing a bronchoscopy

COPD 2010

Airway obstruction refers to any blockage in the respiratory tract that impedes the flow of air into or out of the lungs. This condition can be acute or chronic and can occur at any level of the airway, from the nose and mouth to the trachea and bronchi.

Causes

Airway obstruction can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Foreign body aspiration
• Allergic reactions
• Infections such as croup or epiglottitis
• Tumors
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma

Symptoms

The symptoms of airway obstruction can vary depending on the location and severity of the blockage. Common symptoms include:

• Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
• Stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound)
• Cough
• Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin)
• Tachypnea (rapid breathing)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of airway obstruction typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. These may include:

• Physical examination
• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• Bronchoscopy

Diagram showing a bronchoscopy procedure

Treatment

The treatment of airway obstruction depends on the underlying cause and severity of the obstruction. Common treatments include:

• Heimlich maneuver for foreign body removal
• Medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids
• Surgery to remove tumors or other obstructions
• Tracheostomy in severe cases

Prevention

Preventive measures for airway obstruction include:

• Avoiding known allergens
• Smoking cessation to prevent COPD
• Vaccination against respiratory infections

See also

• Respiratory system
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Asthma
• Tracheostomy