Obstructions of airways

Question 1

Acute upper airway obstruction: caused by?

Answer 1

• > generally: foreign body inspiration
• > others causes: laryngospasm, trauma to the larynx and pharynx, laryngeal edema form airway burns, acute angioededema and various inflammatory conditions (Ludwig’s angina, peritonsilar and retropharyngeal abscess and acute allergic laryngitis)

Question 2

chronic Upper airway obstructions: cause

Answer 2

• > carcinoma of the pharynx or larynx

- > laryngeal or subglottic stenosis manifested by inspiratory stridor, intercostal retractions on inspiration

Question 3

chronic upper airway obstructions: diagnosis

Answer 3

fiber optic endoscopy

Question 4

lower airway obstruction: tracheal obstruction: 2 types

Answer 4

• > intra thoracic (below the suprasternal notch)

- > extra thoracic

Question 5

lower airway obstruction: tracheal obstruction: fixed tracheal obstruction: causes

Answer 5

• acquired or congenital tracheal stenosis
• primary or secondary tracheal neoplasms
• compressions
• foreign body aspiration
• tracheal trauma

Question 6

lower airway obstruction: tracheal obstruction: acquired tracheal stenosis: secondary to?

Answer 6

usually secondary to tracheostomy or endotracheal intubation

Question 7

lower airway obstruction: bronchial obstruction: cause & sx

Answer 7

by retained pulmonary secretions, aspiration, primary lung cancer
- Sx: dyspnea, cough, wheezing, and if infection is present: fever and chills

Question 8

lower airway obstruction: bronchial obstruction: physical examinations of complete obstruction of a main stem bronchus and partial obstruction

Answer 8

• > complete obstrcution of a main stem bronchus: asymmetric chest expansion, absence of death sounds on the affected side, dullness to percussion
• > partial obstruction: difficult to detect

Question 9

lower airway obstruction: bronchial obstruction: RX finding’s

Answer 9

range from atelectasis (lung collapse) to air trapping

Question 10

lower airway obstruction: bronchial obstruction: definitive diagnostic study:

Answer 10

bronchoscopy particularly if tumor or foreign body aspiration is suspected