Acute upper airway obstruction in children and adults

SummaryAcute airway obstruction is a challenging clinical situation mandating rapid diagnosis and appropriate airway management. It usually requires multispecialty care involving anesthesiologists, otolaryngologists, pediatricians and intensivists. The acuteness of symptoms may not permit time for radiological survey and diagnosis rests on clinical skills. Loss of airway is always a possibility, and all specialists involved in the care of the pediatric airway should be trained in emergent cricothyrotomy.