Introduction
The respiratory system consists of: the extrapulmonary airways/airways and lungs.
Obstruction of the airways endangers the patient's life, urgent action must be taken to release the airways. Airway management is a priority.
PRECAUTIONS IN AIRWAY MANAGEMENT
If a cervical spine injury is suspected – neck immobilization will be ensured during airway opening maneuvers.
RISK FACTORS IN AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
- Alteration of the state of consciousness: cranio-cerebral trauma/ the effects of alcohol or drugs
- Facial fractures
- Closed injuries of the neck
- Burns / smoke inhalation
COMMON CAUSES OF AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
- Head position - flexion
- Blood
- Vomiting
- Foreign bodies
- Extrinsic compression: neck hematomas, neck abscesses
- Edema of the airway walls
SIGNS OF AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
- State of unconsciousness
- Inability to speak
- Sternal, costal, subcostal retraction
- Airway flow – low or non-existent
- Cyanosis or gray coloration of the skin
- Noisy breathing
- Stridor
AIRWAY OPENING MANEUVERS
- Hyperextension of the head / lifting of the mandible
o It will not be performed in case of suspected cervical spine injury
- Subluxation of the mandible
- Aspiration of the oropharynx and nasopharynx
- Removal of oropharyngeal foreign bodies with Magill forceps
- Oxygen will always be administered in parallel with the management maneuvers of airways
SIMPLE AIRWAY ADJUVANTS
- Oropharyngeal tract
o It will not be used in conscious patients (may cause vomiting)
- Nasopharyngeal tract
o It will not be used in mid-facial fractures.