Upper Airway Obstruction Flashcards
1
Q
What are the causes of upper airway obstruction?
A
- Congenital - tracheal stenosis
2. Acquired - infection, trauma, malignant tumour, inflammation
2
Q
How is a suspected upper airway obstruction assessed?
A
- Admit even if for a short period for observation
- Cyanosis is a very late sign
- Stridor? RR >20? Sats falling (late in children and elderly)?
- Count from 1-10 without stopping/gasping for air?
3
Q
How can you tell if an upper airway obstruction is severe?
A
Sat up, intercostal recession, accessory muscles, tracheal tug, stridor, cyanosis.
4
Q
What is the medical management of upper airway obstruction?
A
- Oxygen via nasal prongs
- Nebulised adrenaline
- Heliox, less dense than air, more oxygen gets to lungs.
5
Q
What is the surgical management for upper airway obstruction?
A
- Endotracheal intubation (anaesthetist)
- Cricothyroidotomy (absolute emergency, insert hollow tube into trachea through cricothyroid ligament)
- Thyroidectomy (consult seniors but do not leave too late)