Upper Airway Obstruction Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Upper Airway Obstruction Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Upper airway obstruction is a disorder that results in blockage of the upper respiratory tract.

Upper airway obstruction is of four types, such as:

  • Epiglottitis (inflammation of the vocal cords)
  • Croup syndrome (airway infection)
  • Laryngotracheobronchitis (cough caused by inflammation of the airways)
  • Bacterial tracheitis (airway infection caused by bacteria)

Complications from airway obstruction is a lack of oxygen. When a person has difficulty receiving oxygen, this condition has the potential to cause death.

Symptom

Signs and symptoms that often appear in upper airway obstruction are:

  1. epiglottitis
    • Breath sounds like snoring
    • Salivate
    • Tripod posture (slightly leaning forward)
    • Symptoms of respiratory disease appear
    • In severe cases, ICU care is sometimes needed
  2. Croup syndrome
    • Breath sounds like snoring
    • Cough like barking
  3. Laryngotracheobronchitis
    • Breath sounds like snoring
    • Cough like barking
    • Sometimes symptoms of respiratory disease can appear
    • Looks like poisoning
    • In severe cases, the patient needs to receive ICU care
  4. Bacterial tracheitis
    • Breath sounds like snoring
    • Cough like barking
    • Symptoms of respiratory disease appear
    • Looks like poisoning
    • The patient requires ICU care

Reason

The causes of upper airway obstruction are quite varied. One of the most common is infection. Infection can cause inflammation, starting from the larynx which is where the vocal cords are located to the trachea which divides the right and left lungs.

This inflammation can cause swelling of the upper airway and cause obstruction. Foreign bodies can also enter the trachea and cause obstruction of the airway.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, physical examination results, and supporting examinations. Investigations that are usually carried out are examination of white blood cells, plain chest X-rays, bronchoscopy examinations, and so on.

Treatment

Upper airway obstruction that is quite severe often requires procedures, such as intubation (inserting a tube through the mouth or nose to connect outside air to both lungs) and administration of drugs (steroids and epinephrine to treat swelling).

However, if a mechanical obstruction such as a foreign object is suspected, evacuation of the foreign body is the only treatment needed. If this condition occurs at home, you can place the patient on his back and tilt his head to the side. Immediately contact the nearest hospital to seek help, because airway obstruction can be life-threatening.

Prevention

Prevention that can be done to avoid upper airway obstruction is to maintain airway health. Here are the tips:

  • Use a mask, especially when in polluted, dusty areas and around people with the respiratory tract.
  • Do not give food to people who have difficulty swallowing or lose consciousness, as this has the potential to cause choking.
  • Avoid eating in haste.
  • As a precaution, keep small objects that children have the potential to swallow.

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