Treatment:

If the person has a complete obstruction and is unable to speak or breathe, the Heimlich maneuver may be lifesaving.

Treatment depends on the cause of the blockage.

• Objects stuck in the airway may be removed with a laryngoscope or bronchoscope.
• A tube may be inserted into the airway (endotracheal tube or nasotracheal tube).
• Sometimes an opening is made directly into the airway (tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy).

Expectations (prognosis):

Prompt treatment is often successful. However, the condition is dangerous and may be fatal, even if treated.

Complications:

Inability to relieve the obstruction can cause:

• Brain damage
• Breathing failure
• Death

Calling your health care provider:

Airway obstruction is an emergency. It is a good idea to learn how to clear an airway of a foreign body by using a method such as the Heimlich maneuver.

Diseases in which airway obstruction develops over a period of hours will allow time to get to a hospital. If an acute airway obstruction occurs, call 911 or your local emergency number for medical help. Do what you can to maintain breathing until medical help arrives.