MANAGEMENT OF UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION

Upper airway obstruction can result from conditions such as croup, anaphylaxis, or foreign body aspiration. Timely intervention is critical to prevent progression to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.

Key Steps in Management:

• Croup: Administer nebulized epinephrine and corticosteroids.
• Anaphylaxis: Give intramuscular epinephrine immediately, followed by antihistamines and corticosteroids.
• Foreign Body Aspiration: Perform back blows and chest thrusts in infants or abdominal thrusts in older children. Prepare for laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy if needed.

Prompt recognition and targeted treatment can resolve upper airway obstruction and prevent further complications.