8/7/2016

AcuteUpperAirwayObstruction

Acute Upper Airway Obstruction

Written by Carmella Wint
Medically Reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D, MSN, RN, CRNA on 15 Januari 2016

What Is an Acute Upper Airway Obstruction?

An acute upper airway obstruction (UAO) is when a blockage occurs in your upper airway. The upper airway of
your respiratory system consists of the trachea, larynx or voice box, and throat. A blockage in your airway
could prevent your body from getting enough oxygen.
A lack of oxygen could cause brain damage, and even a heart attack, in a matter of minutes.Any obstruction of
your upper airway has the potential to be life threatening. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if
you suspect that you, or someone you know, has an obstructed upper airway.

What Can Cause the Obstruction?

Three of the most common causes of acute upper airway obstruction (UAO) are:
anaphylaxis
croup
epiglottitis
Your airway can also be obstructed if you inhale a foreign object or food.

Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can happen within minutes of coming into contact with an
allergen. An allergen is a substance that triggers an allergic reaction in your body.Anaphylaxis can be
fatal.During an anaphylactic reaction, your airway swells and obstructs your breathing. Peanuts and bee
stings are among the most common anaphylaxis-causing allergens. Some people are allergic to a medication,
such as Penicillin that may cause a severe reaction.

Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is a condition that occurs as a result of the epiglottis becoming swollen. Theepiglottisis a ap of
cartilage that covers the opening of your windpipe. Swelling may be caused by anything from an infection to
simply drinking coee that is too hot. Epiglottitis can block the ow of air to your lungs and it can be
potentially life threatening.

Croup
Croup is a condition that usually causes a harsh, barking cough. The barking cough is caused by an inamed
windpipe and vocal cords. The swollen windpipe causes the vibration of your vocal cords to sound dierent.
Croup is not considered to be a severe condition and it can usually be treated at home.

Foreign Objects
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Inhaling a foreign object, like a nut or bead, can cause acute UAO. A foreign object can get stuck in your throat
or other air passage, causing an obstruction. While foreign objects can be inhaled accidentally at any age, this
is most commonly seen in toddlers and small children.

When Should I Alert My Doctor?

You should seek emergency help as soon as you suspect acute UAO.While your symptoms may vary, some
symptoms are common no matter what caused your obstruction. Some of the most common signs of an
obstruction, from least to most severe, are:
agitation
confusion
panic
drooling
swelling of the face and tongue
diculty breathing
wheezing and other unusual breath sounds
choking
unconsciousness
Cyanosis can also appear as a sign of acute UAO, depending on the severity and duration of your blockage.
Cyanosis occurs when there is not enough oxygen in the blood. The lack of oxygen can give your skin, lips, and
ngernails a bluish color.If you notice a bluish tint to your appearance, seek emergency medical treatment
immediately.

Emergency Treatment of an Upper Airway Instruction

Treatment of your upper airway obstruction will depend on the cause. Regardless of the source of your
obstruction, prompt medical attention is extremely important.

Anaphylaxis
Due to its potentially life-threatening consequences, anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment.If you suspect
that you or someone you know is having an anaphylactic reaction, call 911.
Treatment for anaphylaxis may involve the use of oxygen as well as antihistamines and anti-inammatory
drugs to help you breathe and reduce the swelling. If you know that youre at risk for anaphylaxis, your doctor
may have already given you an auto-injector. An auto-injector is a syringe that carries a premeasured dose of
epinephrine, or adrenaline, in it. Epinephrine can eectively stop your anaphylaxis and it may save your life.

Epiglottitis
To treat epiglottitis your doctor will rst want to make sure that youre able to breathe. This is usually done by
administering oxygen using a mask or breathing tube. If you have epiglottitis as a result of an infection,
antibiotics will be prescribed.

Croup
Croup can usually be treated at home. Breathing moist air with the help of a humidier and drinking plenty of
uids can help speed up your recovery. If symptoms remain or get worse, your doctor might put you on
corticosteroids, which are medications that help reduce inammation. If an infection caused your croup,
antibiotics may be given. Children have small airways and are at highest risk of complication related to airway
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swelling. If a child with croup begins to make a high pitched noise when inhaling or exhaling, seems agitated,
or struggles to breathe seek immediate medical attention.

Foreign Objects
If your child has inhaled a foreign object, and cannot cough, speak, or breathe, call 911. In the meantime, the
American Red Cross recommends that you administer ve strong, but not painful, blows to the back, below
the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Then, give ve abdominal thrusts, also called the Heimlich
maneuver. Do this by:
standing behind your child and wrapping your arms around their waist
placing the thumb side of your st right above the aected persons belly button
using a quick, upward thrust to press your st into the abdomen with the help of your available hand
Alternate between ve back blows and ve abdominal thrusts to try to remove the obstruction while you wait
for emergency assistance.
References:
Conscious choking. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org/ash/brr/English-html/consciouschoking.asp
Mayo Clinic Sta. Anaphylaxis. (2010, September 3). Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anaphylaxis/DS00009
Mayo Clinic Sta. Croup. (2011, August 5). Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/croup/DS00312
Mayo Clinic Sta. Epiglottitis. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/epiglottitis/DS00529
Mayo Clinic Sta. Foreign object inhaled: rst aid. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rst-aid/FA00064

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