Symptoms of acute upper airway obstruction are dramatic an easy to diagnosis. 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. In adults foreign bodies are usually aspirated chunks of meat or food. In children, while peanuts are the most commonly aspirated food, hot dogs are the most common fatally aspirated food.
Children also aspirate or choke on many non-food items.
Airway obstruction from aspirated balloon fragments, buttons, coins and small toys is common. The classical example is allergic reactions to bee stings which frequently cause anaphylactic reactions. A rapidly expanding abscess can block the airway and cause respiratory distress. Prevention is dependent on the cause of the upper airway obstruction . See the individual diseases in the above section for more information.