Acute upper airway obstruction can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. A foreign body, object or food getting stuck in the upper airway is the most acute form of obstruction and is more common in small children than in adults. This is because small children often explore their environment by placing objects in thier mouth.
Adults are also at risk for upper airway obstruction by choking on a piece of meat or food.
Epiglottitis is swelling of the epiglottis, which is the tissue covering the opening of the windpipe during swallowing. Epiglottitis is caused by bacteria or viruses of the throat which cause it to swell and block air flow. These symptoms may appear suddenly and rapidly. As the obstruction of the airway increases, a child with these symptoms may become pale, turn blue and lose consciousness if not treated immediately. A child with symptoms of epiglottitis needs immediate emergency medical attention at a hospital emergency room.