Airway obstruction

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(Redirected from Bronchial obstruction)

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Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Airway obstruction
Upper respiratory tract.jpg
Synonyms Airway blockage
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Dyspnea, cough, wheezing, stridor, cyanosis
Complications Respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, hypoxia
Onset Sudden or gradual
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Foreign body, allergic reaction, infection, tumor, trauma
Risks Smoking, asthma, anaphylaxis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Diagnosis Physical examination, imaging studies, bronchoscopy
Differential diagnosis Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism
Prevention Avoidance of known allergens, smoking cessation, vaccination
Treatment Heimlich maneuver, bronchodilator, corticosteroids, surgery, tracheostomy
Medication Epinephrine, albuterol, antibiotics
Prognosis Depends on cause and promptness of treatment
Frequency Common
Deaths Variable, depending on cause and treatment


Diagram showing a bronchoscopy
COPD 2010

Airway obstruction refers to any blockage in the respiratory tract that impedes the flow of air into or out of the lungs. This condition can be acute or chronic and can occur at any level of the airway, from the nose and mouth to the trachea and bronchi.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Airway obstruction can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of airway obstruction can vary depending on the location and severity of the blockage. Common symptoms include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of airway obstruction typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. These may include:

Diagram showing a bronchoscopy procedure

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of airway obstruction depends on the underlying cause and severity of the obstruction. Common treatments include:

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventive measures for airway obstruction include:

  • Avoiding known allergens
  • Smoking cessation to prevent COPD
  • Vaccination against respiratory infections

See also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD