Acute upper airway obstruction

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Choking

Respiratory system

Throat anatomy

Airway obstruction - acute upper; Choking

Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but some symptoms are common to all types of obstruction.

• Choking
• Gasping for air
• Wheezing , crowing, whistling, or other unusual breathing noises indicating breathing difficulty
• Agitation or fidgeting
• Panic
• Cyanosis
• Changes in consciousness
• Unconsciousness

Physical examination may show decreased breath sounds. Tests are usually not necessary, but may include x-rays, bronchoscopy, and laryngoscopy.

Review Date: 08/03/2005
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.