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AirwayObstruction:Types,Causes,andSymptoms

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Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA

What is an airway obstruction?

An airway obstruction is a blockage in any part of the airway. The airway is a complex system of tubes that conveys
inhaled air from your nose and mouth into your lungs. An obstruction may partially or totally prevent air from getting
into your lungs. Some airway obstructions are minor while others are life-threatening emergencies that require
immediate medical attention.

Types of airway obstructions

The types of airway obstructions are classied based on where the obstruction occurs and how much it blocks.
Upper airway obstructions occur in the area from your nose and lips to your larynx (voice box).
Lower airway obstructions occur between your larynx and the narrow passageways of your lungs.
Partial airway obstructions allow some air to pass. You can still breathe with a partial airway obstruction, but it
will be dicult.
Complete airway obstructions do not allow any air to pass. You cannot breathe if you have a complete airway
obstruction.
Acute airway obstructions are blockages that occur quickly. An example of an acute airway obstruction is choking
on a foreign object.
Chronic airway obstructions occur two dierent ways. These can be blockages that take a long time to develop, or
blockages that last for a long time.

What causes an airway obstruction?

The classic image of an airway obstruction is someone choking on a piece of food. But thats only one of many things
that can cause an airway obstruction. Other causes include:
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
vocal cord problems
breathing in a large amount of smoke from a re
viral infections
bacterial infections
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a respiratory illness that causes upper airway inammation, called croup

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 brosis
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Who is at risk for an airway obstruction?

Children have a higher risk of obstruction by foreign objects than adults. Theyre more likely to stick toys and other
small objects in their noses and mouths. They may also fail to chew food well before swallowing.
Other risk factors for airway obstruction include:
having severe allergies to insects such as bees, or foods such as peanuts
birth defects or inherited diseases that can cause airway problems
smoking
people who have a dicult time swallowing food properly, such as those who have neuromuscular disorders

What are the symptoms of an airway obstruction?

The symptoms of an airway obstruction depend on the cause. They also depend on the location of the obstruction.
Symptoms you may experience include:
agitation
cyanosis, or bluish-colored skin
confusion
diculty breathing
gasping for air
panic
high-pitched breathing noises such as wheezing
unconsciousness

How is an airway obstruction diagnosed?

Airway obstructions are diagnosed by evaluating your signs and symptoms. Doctors look for signs that include:
alterations in your normal breathing pattern, whether rapid or shallow breathing
decreased breath sounds in your lungs
high-pitched breath sounds in the upper airway or mouth
no breathing
bluish skin color
unconsciousness
Certain tests may also be used to determine the cause of your airway obstruction. During an emergency, your doctor
will likely order an X-ray rst to determine the cause of your symptoms. If an X-ray fails to determine the cause of the
obstruction, your doctor may choose to order more advanced testing. This may include a bronchoscopy. During this
procedure, your doctor inserts an instrument called a bronchoscope through your mouth or nose to look into your
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lungs for any foreign bodies. Bronchoscopy can also help your doctor evaluate dierent causes of obstruction. This
includes tracheomalacia, or weakness and collapse of the trachea. It also includes infectious causes, such as mucous
plugging in patients with chronic lung conditions like emphysema and cystic brosis.
Your doctor may also order a laryngoscopy. During this procedure, your doctor will examine your larynx with an
instrument called a laryngoscope. Additional tests may include a CT scan of the head, neck, or chest to determine
other sources of obstruction, such as epiglottitis. This is an infection and inammation of the epiglottis. The epiglottis
is the ap of tissue that protects and covers your trachea from food and foreign bodies.

How is an airway obstruction treated?

An airway obstruction is usually an emergency situation. You should call 911 if you see someone experiencing an
airway obstruction. Some things you can do while youre waiting for emergency services to arrive include:

The Heimlich maneuver

This is an emergency technique that may help a person who is choking on a foreign object. The maneuver involves
one person standing behind the person who is choking, wrapping their arms around their waist. The person
performing the maneuver should then make a st with one hand and put it near the persons bellybutton. They
should then grab rst with their other hand, and press into the persons abdomen with ve quick thrusts. Repeat the
cycle of ve back blows and ve abdominal thrusts until the object becomes dislodged, or emergency services arrive.

Epinephrine
Epinephrine can be used to treat airway swelling due to an allergic reaction. People with severe allergies, such as
those with allergies to food or bee stings, can develop sudden and rapid swelling of the throat and tongue. This can
lead to near or complete airway obstruction within minutes. People who have severe allergies usually carry EpiPens.
These are simple injectors containing epinephrine.
People who carry EpiPens are instructed to deliver one injection into the outer thigh as soon as they experience
symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. An epinephrine injector can help a person experiencing anaphylactic shock
while they are waiting for medical services to arrive. Medical professionals should always evaluate people who receive
epinephrine injections as soon as possible.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

CPR is used when a person is unable to breathe and has lost consciousness. It keeps oxygenated blood owing to the
brain until emergency services arrive. To perform CPR, you should place the heel of your hand in the center of their
chest. Place your other hand on top, and use your upper body weight to push straight down on the chest. You should
do this about 100 times in a minute until an ambulance arrives.
Once an ambulance has arrived, there are several dierent ways airway obstruction can be treated based on what
caused it.
An endotracheal or nasotracheal tube may be inserted into the airway. This can help get oxygen through swollen
airways. A tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy are surgical openings made in the airway to bypass an obstruction.
These procedures should be performed by highly trained medical professionals and are generally required when all
of the above interventions have failed.

Prognosis after airway obstruction

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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 of airway obstruction

Many types of airway obstructions can be prevented. Reduce your risk by doing the following:
Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol before eating.
Eat small bites of food.
Eat slowly.
Supervise small children when eating.
Chew thoroughly before swallowing.
Make sure your dentures t properly.
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.
Written by Rose Kivi
Medically Reviewed on 20 April 2016 by Tyler Walker, MD
Article Sources:
Mayo Clinic Sta. (2015, January 9). Anaphylaxis: First aid. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/rstaid/rst-aid-anaphylaxis/basics/art-20056608
Mayo Clinic Sta. (2015, February 6). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): First aid. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/rst-aid/rst-aid-cpr/basics/art-20056600
Mayo Clinic Sta. (2014, September 19). Choking: First aid. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/rstaid/rst-aid-choking/basics/art-20056637
Townsend, D. R. (2006, April 25). Hypoventilation/hypoxemia due to lower airways obstruction. Retrieved
from http://yoursleep.aasmnet.org/disorder.aspx?id=67

See a list of possible causes in order from the most common to the least.

1 Swallowed (or Inhaled) Foreign Object

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Anyone can swallow a foreign object. However, infants and toddlers have a natural
tendency to put things in their mouths, which puts them at higher risk.
Samir/Wikimedia

Read more

2 Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that aects the throat and nose. Find information on
diphtheria symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.
By Dileepunnikri/Wikimedia

Read more

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3 Laryngitis
Laryngitis is when your voice box or vocal cords become inamed from overuse,
irritation, or infection. It comes in both acute and chronic forms.
Read more

4 Epiglottitis

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Epiglottitis is characterized by inamed tissue in your epiglottis. It's a potentially lifethreatening illness. The epiglottis is at the base of the tongue.
By /Wikimedia

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5 Peritonsillar Abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is usually a complication of tonsillitis or another bacterial
infection. Get it treated quickly to avoid potentially serious problems.
James Heilman,MD/Wikimedia

Read more

6 Anaphylaxis

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Anaphylaxis can occur when you have a severe reaction to certain allergens. Learn
what the symptoms are and what to do if this happens.
James Heilman,
MD/Wikimedia

Read more

7 Chemical Burns
Find information about chemical burns and how to prevent them. Learn about the
causes, symptoms, and treatment of chemical burns.
By Blazius/Wikimedia

Read more

Retropharyngeal Abscess
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8 Retropharyngeal Abscess
A retropharyngeal abscess means you have pus in the tissue at the back of your throat. This often occurs
during or after a throat infection. This type of abscess mostly occurs in children under ve. However, it ca...
Read more

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose.
Please consult a healthcare professional if you have health concerns.

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