When the airway (wind pipe) is obstructed, such as choking on an object or piece of food. This can also occur when a baby is born and the airway is plugged with mucous.
One of the biggest reasons to establish an oral-pharyngeal airway is if there is risk of losing a patent airway. For example, if the throat might swell from injury/trauma or allergic reaction. Another example: To protect heart and brain when the airway might close off completely, such as in severe respiratory distress like a severe asthma attack.
The most common location of airway obstruction is in the throat, particularly at the level of the larynx or trachea. This can be due to various factors such as infections, swelling, foreign objects, or anatomical issues. Immediate medical attention is needed to address airway obstructions to prevent respiratory distress.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is primarily used to treat sleep apnea by keeping the airways open during sleep, allowing for uninterrupted breathing. It can also be used to treat respiratory distress in premature infants or patients with respiratory conditions such as COPD or pneumonia by improving lung function and oxygenation. CPAP therapy can help reduce symptoms of daytime fatigue and improve overall quality of life for individuals with breathing disorders.
Airway integrity refers to the condition and functionality of the airway, ensuring it remains open and unobstructed for effective breathing. It involves the structural and physiological aspects that prevent collapse or blockage, allowing for the proper passage of air to and from the lungs. Maintaining airway integrity is crucial in medical settings, particularly in emergencies or during anesthesia, to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Any compromise can lead to respiratory distress or failure.
Angioedema is characterized by more diffuse swelling. Swelling of the airways may cause wheezing and respiratory distress. In severe cases, airway obstruction may occur
The brassy crowing sound that is prominent on inspiration and suggests a mildly occluded airway is referred to as "stridor." Stridor is typically caused by conditions that lead to narrowing or obstruction of the airway, such as croup, laryngeal edema, or foreign body aspiration. It is often a sign of respiratory distress and requires prompt evaluation and management.
When choking, raising your arms can help signal to others that you need help and cannot breathe properly. It is a universal gesture for distress and can prompt others to assist you in clearing your airway.
When a baby is retracting, it indicates difficulty breathing, often due to airway obstruction or respiratory distress. First, assess the situation; check for other signs of distress, such as grunting or cyanosis. If the baby is in severe distress or unresponsive, seek emergency medical assistance immediately. For mild retractions, ensuring the baby is in a comfortable position and monitoring their breathing closely may help, but professional evaluation is crucial.
When saliva enters the trachea, it can trigger a reflex known as the cough reflex, which is meant to clear the airway of foreign substances. If this irritation is severe or if the airway is significantly obstructed, it can lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen), which may result in convulsions as the brain experiences a lack of oxygen. Additionally, the body's autonomic responses to distress can further exacerbate the situation, leading to convulsive movements as a response to the stress and potential airway compromise.
The tongue can obstruct the airway primarily when a person is in a supine position, as its natural weight can cause it to collapse backward into the throat. This can block airflow, especially during deep sleep or in individuals with certain conditions like obesity or sleep apnea. Additionally, swelling of the tongue due to allergic reactions or trauma can also lead to airway obstruction. Prompt recognition and management are crucial to prevent severe respiratory distress.
An airway that is not blocked. If you can breathe easily, you have an active airway. If you are choking, you do not.
To identify a casualty with a partially blocked airway, look for signs such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or gasping for air. The person may also exhibit abnormal sounds, such as stridor or choking noises, and display distress or panic. Additionally, they might be unable to speak or communicate effectively, and their skin may show signs of cyanosis, particularly around the lips and fingertips. Immediate assessment and intervention are crucial to ensure the airway is cleared.