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Acute upper airway obstruction

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Airway obstruction - acute upper; Choking

Symptoms:

Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but some symptoms are common to all types of obstruction.

• Choking
• Gasping for air
• Wheezing , crowing, whistling, or other unusual breathing noises indicating breathing difficulty
• Agitation or fidgeting
• Panic
• Cyanosis
• Changes in consciousness
• Unconsciousness

Signs and tests:

Physical examination may show decreased breath sounds . Tests are usually not necessary, but may include x-rays, bronchoscopy, and laryngoscopy.

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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