Symptoms & Signs
Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but some symptoms are common to all types of airway blockage. They include:
* Agitation or fidgeting
* Bluish color to the skin (cyanosis)
* Changes in consciousness
* Choking
* Confusion
* Difficulty breathing
* Gasping for air
* Panic
* Unconsciousness
* Wheezing, crowing, whistling, or other unusual breathing noises indicating breathing difficulty
Diagnosis & Tests
Physical examination may show:
* Decreased breath sounds in the lungs
* Rapid, shallow, or slowed breathing
Tests are usually not necessary, but may include:
* Bronchoscopy
* Laryngoscopy
* X-rays
Acute upper airway obstruction: Overview, Causes
Acute upper airway obstruction: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
Acute upper airway obstruction: Treatment
Review Date : 7/8/2009
Reviewed By : Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Reviewed By : Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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