What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient
Blockage of the upper airway occurs when the upper breathing passages become narrowed or blocked, making it hard to breathe. Areas in the upper airway that can be affected are the windpipe (trachea), voice box (larynx), or throat (pharynx). Show
CausesThe airway can become narrowed or blocked due to many causes, including:
People at higher risk for airway obstruction include those who have:
Young children and older adults are also at higher risk for airway obstruction. SymptomsSymptoms vary, depending on the cause. But some symptoms are common to all types of airway blockage. These include:
Exams and TestsThe health care provider will do a physical examination and check the airway. The provider will also ask about the possible cause of the blockage. Tests are usually not necessary, but may include:
TreatmentTreatment depends on the cause of the blockage.
If the obstruction is due to a foreign body, such as a piece of food that has been breathed in, doing abdominal thrusts, back blows, or chest compressions can save the person's life. Outlook (Prognosis)Prompt treatment is often successful. But the condition is dangerous and may be fatal, even when treated. Possible ComplicationsIf the obstruction is not relieved, it can cause:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalAirway obstruction is often an emergency. Call 911 or the local emergency number for medical help. Follow instructions on how to help keep the person breathing until help arrives. PreventionPrevention depends on the cause of the upper airway obstruction. The following methods may help prevent an obstruction:
Learn to recognize the universal sign for inability to breathe due to a blocked airway: grabbing the neck with one or both hands. Also learn how to clear a foreign body from the airway using a method such as abdominal thrusts. Alternative NamesAirway obstruction - acute upper Images
ReferencesDriver BE, Reardon RF. Basic airway management and decision making. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 3. Rose E. Pediatric respiratory emergencies: upper airway obstruction and infections. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 167. Thomas SH, Goodloe JM. Foreign bodies. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 53. Review Date 7/5/2021Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Emeritus, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient quizlet?The tongue is the most common cause of airway obstruction in the unconscious patient. This is because the jaw relaxes, which allows the tongue to fall into the pharynx, causing blockage.
What are three of the most common causes of airway obstruction?Here are the five most common causes of upper airway obstruction.. Tongue-Related Airway Obstruction. ... . Foreign Body Lodged in the Airway. ... . Swelling. ... . Infection. ... . Trauma.. What is the most common airway obstruction quizlet?The tongue is the most common airway obstruction.
Where is the most common location for an airway obstruction to occur in an unconscious supine patient?The commonest site for obstruction in the obtunded uncon- scious patient is at the pharynx, because the tongue falls back against the posterior pharyngeal wall, and a lack of muscle tone causes narrowing of the airway diameter.
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