Types of Airway Obstructions
There are different forms of airway obstructions, which can be classified based on the affected part and degree of blockage. These include:
– Lower obstruction: This type happens between the lungs’ passageways and the larynx
– Upper obstruction: This type affects the area from the lips and nose to the voice box
– Chronic obstruction: This type may cause a blockage that persists for a long period or a blockage that needs a long period to form
– Acute obstruction: This type happens and resolves quickly
– Complete obstruction: This type blocks the whole airway and does not let any air enter. It is not possible to breath with a complete blockage.
– Partial obstruction: Some air can still enter the lungs with this type. You can still breath, but it is quite hard. [2]
