Acute upper airway obstruction (patient information)
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# Overview
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.

# What are the symptoms of Acute upper airway obstruction?
Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but some symptoms are common to all types of airway blockage. They include:
- Agitation or fidgeting
- Bluish color to the skin (cyanosis)
- Changes in consciousness
- Choking
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Gasping for air
- Panic
- Unconsciousness
- Wheezing, crowing, whistling, or other unusual breathing noises indicating breathing difficulty

# What causes Acute upper airway obstruction?
Causes of acute upper airway obstruction include:
- Allergic reactions in which the trachea or throat swell closed, including allergic reactions to a bee sting, peanuts, antibiotics (penicillin), and blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)
- Chemical burns and reactions
- Croup
- Epiglottitis (infection of the structure separating the trachea from the esophagus)
- Fire or burns from breathing in smoke
- Foreign bodies -- such as peanuts and other breathed-in foods, pieces of a balloon, buttons, coins, and small toys
- Viral or bacteria infections
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Retropharyngeal abscess
- Throat cancer
- Tracheomalacia
- Trauma
- Vocal cord problems

# Diagnosis
Physical examination may show:
- Decreased breath sounds in the lungs
- Rapid, shallow, or slowed breathing
Tests are usually not necessary, but may include:
- Bronchoscopy
- Laryngoscopy
- X-rays

# When to seek urgent medical care?
Airway obstruction is an emergency. It is a good idea to learn how 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. Do what you can to maintain breathing until medical help arrives.

# Treatment options
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.
- Objects stuck 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).

# Where to find medical care for Acute upper airway obstruction?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Acute upper airway obstruction

# What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Prompt treatment is often successful. However, the condition is dangerous and may be fatal, even if treated.

# Possible complications
Inability to relieve the obstruction can cause:
- Brain damage
- Breathing failure
- Death

# Prevention of Acute upper airway obstruction
Prevention depends on the cause of the upper airway obstruction.
The following methods may help prevent an obstruction:
- Eat slowly and chew food completely.
- Don't drink too much alcohol before or while eating.
- Keep small objects away from young children.
- Make sure dentures fit properly

# Sources