Upper Airway Obstruction

Question 1

Causes of UAO:

Answer 1

Foreign body

Neuromuscular failure
Obtundation
Angioedema

Laryngospasm

Goitre
Mass

Tonsillitis
Quinsy
Diptheria
Tracheitis
Ludwig angina

• Burns
• Trauma
  –> swelling, haematoma

Question 2

Management of unconscious choking patient:

Answer 2

100% O2 via NRBM
CPR
Direct laryngoscopy before breath set
—> MacGills

If no resolution after 1 cycle:
ABOVE cords:
- Cricothyroidotomy
Don’t force down.

BELOW cords (trachea):
Try to force into R main:
- BVM
- Advance ETT. Then pull tube back, lie patient R side down

Urgent OT for bronchoscopy/ airway

Consider steroids for infective/ oedematous cause

Question 3

Follow up care after a choking episode:

Answer 3

Bronchoscopy
–> check all FB out

Assess/ monitor for:
- Negative-pressure APO
- Pneumothorax

Prevention advice