Airway Obstruction

 An airway obstruction is a blockage in any portion of the airway. The airway is a complex system of tubes that transmits inhaled air from your nose and mouth into your lungs. An obstruction may moderately or totally stop air from getting into your lungs. Airway obstruction can be incomplete or complete ·         Complete obstruction of the upper airway occurs when there is incapability to talk, cough or breath. Apnea and cyanosis are existing and paradoxical respiration may be noted. ·         Incomplete obstruction occurs when there is fractional upper airway obstruction and ability to breath is sustained. Inspiratory stridor and amplified work of breathing are the hallmarks.