What Causes an Airway Obstruction?

We may primarily associate an airway obstruction with choking, but there are a variety of causes. Along with inhaling or swallowing foreign objects or having them lodged in your nose or mouth, an obstructed airway may be the result of: Allergies or asthma Injury or trauma Vocal cord issues Breathing in excessive smoke from a fire Viral or bacterial infections Swelling of the tongue or epiglottis, the flap that covers the trachea while during swallowing Additionally, airway obstructions can also be caused by long term conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema and cystic fibrosis.

How Are Airway Obstructions Treated?

An obstructed airway is typically a medical emergency, and you should call 911 if someone around you is experiencing one. If you are familiar with the Heimlich maneuver or CPR, you can perform them to help someone choking or keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain, respectively. The best treatment for an obstructed airway will depend on the cause of the blockage. For instances of allergic reactions, a medicine called epinephrine may be used. Our allergists can determine if this treatment will be beneficial. Surgery may also be needed. Options include a tracheotomy to bypass the instruction, an endoscopic opening of the airway or reconstruction of the airway to remove or enlarge the obstructed area. Pinnacle ENT’s ENT doctors will provide personalized treatment based on the type, severity and location of the obstruction, as well as your overall health.

How Can Airway Obstructions Be Prevented?

Children are particularly susceptible to airway obstructions. Be sure to cut their food into small pieces and supervise them while they eat. Additionally, keep small items that may be choking hazards out of reach, and be mindful of items that may cause suffocation or strangulation.

Airway Obstruction | Pinnacle ENT Associates

Airway Obstruction: Understanding its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Struggling to breathe because of a blocked airway is a frightening feeling. Pinnacle ENT can help you learn about the symptoms and causes of airway obstructions, as well as ways to prevent them from occurring. Our ENT doctors and physicians partner with you to make sure you can breathe your best.

What Is an Airway Obstruction?

An airway obstruction refers to instances when air is partially or completely blocked from reaching your lungs. The airway is part of a series of tubes that bring air inhaled from the nose and mouth into the lungs. When these tubes are blocked, it becomes difficult to breathe.

There are multiple categories of airway blockages, and Pinnacle ENTs ear, nose and throat doctors will assess which is causing your symptoms.

Upper airway obstructions occur between your nose and larynx, and lower airway obstructions occur between your larynx and lungs.
Partial obstructions allow some air to pass through, while no air can pass through with complete obstructions.
Acute obstructions occur quickly and are frequently the result of choking on a foreign object, while chronic obstructions refer to blockages that develop over time or last a long period of time.

Our Team Can Help

Don’t let anything hold you back from embracing life to its fullest. Let Pinnacle ENT empower you to take back control, reconnecting you with all the opportunities the world has to offer. We’re committed to your health, so you can be committed to experiencing life.

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