How is lower airway obstruction treated?
Humidified oxygen and supportive therapy are the mainstays of treatment. A trial of inhaled epinephrine or parenteral steroids may be considered for non-responders. It is usually associated with good outcome.
How is upper airway obstruction treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of the blockage. Objects stuck in the airway may be removed with special instruments. A tube may be inserted into the airway (endotracheal tube) to help with breathing. Sometimes an opening is made through the neck into the airway (tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy).
What medication is used for upper airway obstruction?
Nebulized epinephrine, via its alpha-1 effect of vasoconstriction, is a highly effective treatment for upper airway obstruction caused by croup. Asthma causes lower airway obstruction and is treated with albuterol whose beta-2 mechanism causes relaxation of the lower airways.
Is stridor upper or lower airway?
Less musical sounding than a wheeze, stridor is a high-pitched, turbulent sound that can happen when a child inhales or exhales. Stridor usually indicates an obstruction or narrowing in the upper airway, outside of the chest cavity.
Is asthma an upper airway obstruction?
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are diseases characterised by lower airway obstruction, with breathlessness as a frequent symptom.
Is stridor upper or lower airway obstruction?
Is asthma in the upper or lower airway?
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the lower airways characterized by largely reversible airflow obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and episodic respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, productive cough, and the sensations of breathlessness and chest tightness [1].
Is asthma an upper or lower airway obstruction?
Respiratory Failure – lower airway obstruction: bronchiolitis/asthma.
Where do upper and lower airway obstructions occur?
Upper airway obstructions occur in the area from your nose and lips to your larynx (voice box). Lower airway obstructions occur between your larynx and the narrow passageways of your lungs. Partial airway obstructions allow some air to pass.
What to do if you have an upper airway obstruction?
Interventions for impending respiratory failure include administration of high concentration oxygen using a non-rebreathing mask, assisted ventilation as needed for oxygen saturation < 90%, IV or IM dexamethasone, endotracheal intubation as needed, and preparing for the possibility of the placement of a surgical airway (tracheostomy) if needed.
Can a person breathe with a partial airway obstruction?
Partial airway obstructions allow some air to pass. You can still breathe with a partial airway obstruction, but it’s difficult. Complete airway obstructions don’t allow any air to pass. You can’t breathe if you have a complete airway obstruction.
What causes a narrowing of the lower airway?
Lower airway obstructions can be caused by a variety of different conditions. Some of the most common include: Asthma. Asthma is a lifelong disease that affects airflow. Symptoms include airway swelling, hyperreactivity, and making more mucus. They can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in your chest.