The clinical management of airway obstruction

SummaryAirway obstruction is a true emergency, which few health care workers will ever experience. Oxygen is essential for the functioning of cells, so prolonged episodes of apnoea associated with airway obstruction, will rapidly lead to hypoxia, cell death and cardiac arrest. This can occur very quickly, so prompt appropriate management is needed. Algorithms have been developed to deal with such emergencies. This article provides an overview of the anatomy, physiology and causes of airway obstruction. Algorithms used in its management are described, and the possibilities for future training for this rare event will be considered.