Airway Obstruction Flashcards
what are the emergency signs of airway obstruction?
Choking, stridor, nasal flaring, wheezing, restlessness, tachycardia, cyanosis, and changes in LOC.
what does laryngeal obstruction show?
Hoarseness, complete blockage
what does tracheal obstruction show?
wheezing
what does bronchial obstruction show?
Cough, decreased air entry on one side
what are the common causes of airway obstruction?
Aspiration (food, foreign body)
Allergic reactions
Infections (e.g., epiglottitis, croup)
Edema (severe inflammation, anaphylaxis)
Burns
Abscesses or tumors
Trauma (e.g., neck injury, strangulation)
Tracheal stenosis (scarring or narrowing of the airway)
what do you assess for?
stridor, wheezing, cyanosis, ability to speak, O2 levels, mental status changes (restlessness, confusion, decreased LOC)
How is airway obstruction diagnosed?
Chest X-ray – Identify foreign body obstruction
Laryngoscopy – Assess laryngeal obstruction Rigid bronchoscopy – Locate and remove foreign body
(immediate management) what do you do during a mild obstruction?
encourage coughing
(immediate management) what does the heimlich manuever do for severe obstruction
(abdominal thrusts) for conscious choking individuals
(immediate management) what does the cricothyroidotomy do for severe obstruction
emergency surgical airway if intubation fails
(immediate management) what does ET do for severe obstruction?
does intubation and if the pt can still be ventilated
(immediate management) what does tracheostomy do for severe obstruction?
long-term airway management or when ET intubation is not possible
how do you prevent airway obstruction?
Chew food thoroughly
Avoid small objects near young children
Manage allergies properly
Avoid smoking (reduces risk of inflammation & airway damage)
when do you seek emergency help?
Choking with inability to cough or breathe
Severe respiratory distress (gasping, stridor, cyanosis)
Complete airway obstruction
