Internal & External Airway Obstructions
Internal Airway Obstructions
- Most common cause of obstruction
- Due to collapse of tongue, airway edema, or direct injury
The picture on the right shows a direct airway injury with a laceration through the top of the trachea. The airway has been secured by placing an endotracheal tube directly in the trachea and a nasogastric tube has been placed directly in the esophagus. The wound is packed with gauze to control bleeding
External Airway Obstruction
- Expanding hematoma external to the airway
- Foreign body, including teeth, blood, or vomitus
The picture demonstrates an external source of airway obstruction – blood and teeth in the mouth resulting from facial trauma/fractures.
Key Points
- Patients with GCS 8 or less cannot protect their own airway
- Be aware of patients at risk for airway compromise due to brain injury or mind altering substances
- Brain injuries: critical to prevent HYPOTENSION & HYPOXIA
