Airway Obstruction

Airway Obstruction
An airway obstruction is a blockage in the airway. It may partially or totally prevent air from getting into your lungs. Some airway obstructions are life-threatening emergencies. They require immediate medical attention to prevent death.

Etiologi
inhaling or swallowing a foreign object a small object becoming lodged in the nose or mouth allergic reactions trauma to the airway from an accident viral infections bacterial infections croup - a respiratory illness that causes upper airway inflammation swelling of the tongue or epiglottis abscesses in the throat or tonsils a collapse of the tracheal wall, known as tracheomalacia asthma chronic bronchitis emphysema cystic fibrosis chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Sign and symptoms

agitation cyanosis (bluish-colored skin) confusion difficulty breathing gasping for air panic breathing noises such as wheezing unconsciousness

Airway Obstruction Diagnosed

slowed breathing rapid breathing decreased breath sounds in your lungs no breathing bluish skin color unconsciousness

Airway Obstruction Treated

Treatment for an airway obstruction depends on the cause of the obstruction. The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency technique that may help a person is choking. It uses abdominal thrusts to dislodge a foreign object. An endotracheal or nasotracheal tube may be inserted into the airway. This can help get oxygen through swollen airways. Tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy are openings made in the airway to bypass an obstruction. Epinephrine can be used to treat airway swelling due to an allergic reaction. Some people with severe allergies carry EpiPens. These are simple injectors containing epinephrine. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be used to help you if you are not breathing.

Image

Heimlich manuver

Prognosis
With prompt treatment, an airway obstruction can often be treated successfully. However, airway obstructions are extremely dangerous. They can be fatal even with treatment. If you or someone you know may have an airway obstruction, get help immediately.

Prevention
Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol before eating. Eat small bites of food. Eat slowly. Supervise small children when eating. Keep small objects away from children. Do not smoke. Visit your doctor regularly if you have a condition that can cause a chronic airway obstruction.