Table 4 Signs of airway obstruction
From: Medical emergencies: the drug box, equipment and basic principles
Inability to complete sentences or speak |
‘Paradoxical’ movement of chest and abdomen (‘see-saw’ respiration) |
Use of accessory muscles of respiration |
Blue lips and tongue (central cyanosis) |
No breathing sounds (complete airway obstruction) |
Stridor (inspiratory) – obstruction of larynx or above |
Wheeze (expiratory) – obstruction of lower airways for example, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
Gurgling – suggests liquid or semi-solid material in the upper airway |
Snoring – the pharynx is partly occluded by the soft palate or tongue |
