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Clinical features

Authoring team

Possible clinical features of airway obstruction include:

  • dyspnoea
  • stridor - in laryngeal obstruction the stridor is inspiratory; in tracheal lesions it is usually both inspiratory and expiratory.
  • use of accessory muscles of respiration
  • pallor, sweating and restlessness
  • cyanosis
  • tachycardia; note that bradycardia may be sign indicating severe hypoxia. As the circulation is so slow and the blood pressure so low, with profound vasoconstriction, there may be little cyanosis at this stage.

NB if airway obstruction occurs in a child there may be intercostal and sternal recession. The sternum may be sucked in as the child attempts to breathe.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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