Definition of Acute upper airway obstruction:

An acute upper airway obstruction is a blockage of the upper airway, which can be in the trachea, voice box (laryngeal), or throat (pharyngeal) areas.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Causes of acute upper airway obstruction include:

• Allergic reactions in which the trachea or throat swell closed, including allergic reactions to a bee sting, peanuts, antibiotics (penicillin), and blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)
• Chemical burns and reactions
• Croup
• Epiglottitis
• Fire or burns from breathing in smoke
• Foreign bodies -- such as peanuts and other breathed-in foods, balloon fragments, buttons, coins, and small toys
• Infections with viruses or bacteria
• Peritonsillar abscess
• Retropharyngeal abscess
• Throat cancer
• Tracheomalacia
• Trauma
• Vocal cord problems