Acute upper airway obstruction

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Choking

Respiratory system

Throat anatomy

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.

Airway obstruction - acute upper

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 (infection of the structure separating the trachea from the esophagus)
• Fire or burns from breathing in smoke
• Foreign bodies -- such as peanuts and other breathed-in foods, pieces of a balloon, buttons, coins, and small toys
• Viral or bacteria infections
• Peritonsillar abscess
• Retropharyngeal abscess
• Throat cancer
• Tracheomalacia
• Trauma
• Vocal cord problems

Review Date: 07/16/2011
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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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