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Acute Upper Airway Obstruction

Critical emergency in which life-threatening upper airway narrowing develops rapidly.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Acute Upper Airway Obstruction?

Acute upper airway obstruction is the obstruction of the airway in the supraglottic, glottic and subglottic areas due to various causes, threatening ventilation. Common causes are foreign body aspiration, anaphylaxis, angioedema, retropharyngeal abscess, epiglottitis and trauma.

The clinical picture varies according to obstruction grade: stridor (wheezing in inspiration), tachypnea, suprasternal-intercostal retraction, accessory respiratory muscle use, cyanosis and consciousness change. In children, croup and bacterial tracheitis should also be considered.

Treatment depends on etiology: epinephrine and corticosteroid are administered in anaphylaxis, urgent intubation/cricothyrotomy is performed for foreign body, abscess drainage, antibiotics in epiglottitis. Cricothyrotomy or tracheostomy may be required for difficult airway.

Symptoms

Inspiratory stridor
Severe shortness of breath
Suprasternal retraction
Accessory respiratory muscle use
Cyanosis and hypoxia
Disorientation and consciousness change

Risk Factors

Foreign body aspiration (children)
Severe anaphylaxis history
Use of ACE inhibitors (angioedema)
Hereditary angioedema
Recent oropharyngeal infection
Cervical trauma and burn

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden severe shortness of breath
  • Stridor and tracheal sound
  • Severe dysphagia and drooling (epiglottitis)
  • Sudden facial-tongue swelling (anaphylaxis/angioedema)
  • Acute pharyngolaryngeal pain
  • Cyanosis and consciousness loss

Treatment Methods

01
Anaphylaxis: 0.5 mg IM epinephrine
02
Foreign body: Heimlich maneuver, urgent bronchoscopy
03
Angioedema: icatibant, C1 esterase inhibitor
04
Epiglottitis: ceftriaxone + dexamethasone
05
Difficult airway: video laryngoscopy, cricothyrotomy
06
Surgical airway preparation (front-of-neck access)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.