Acute upper airway obstruction
Alternative names:
airway obstruction - acute upper, choking
Treatment:
If the victim has a complete obstruction and is unable to
speak or breath, the Heimlich
maneuver may be lifesaving. Treatment depends on the cause
of the blockage. Aspirated objects may be able to be removed
with bronchoscopy. A
tube may need to be inserted into the airway (endotracheal
tube or nasotracheal tube). Sometimes an opening needs to
be made directly into the airway (tracheostomy
or cricothyrotomy).
Expectations (prognosis):
Prompt treatment is often successful. However, the condition
is dangerous and potentially fatal even if treated.
Complications:
Inability to relieve the obstruction causing breathing failure!
Calling your health care provider:
Airway obstruction
is an extreme emergency. People should have some knowledge
of procedures to clear an airway of a foreign body (such as
the Heimlich maneuver).
Diseases where airway obstruction develops over a period of
hours allow time to call a physician. In the advent of acute
airway obstruction call 911 (or your local emergency number)
for medical help and use what knowledge and materials are
available to maintain breathing until medical help arrives.
Updated Date: 02/09/00
Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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