http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000067.

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ACUTE UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION

Definition: 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. Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Causes of acute upper airway obstruction include:

Allergic reactions in which the trachea or throat swell closed, including allergic reactions to 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

Symptoms: 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

Signs and tests: 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

Treatment: 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).

Expectations (prognosis): 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. Prompt treatment is often successful. However, the condition is dangerous and may be fatal, even if treated. Diseases in which airway obstruction develops over a period of hours will allow time to get to a hospital. Do what you can to maintain breathing until medical help arrives. Complications: Inability to relieve the obstruction can cause:

Brain damage Breathing failure Death

Prevention: 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