airway obstruction
A partial or complete blockage of the upper or lower airway that impedes the passage of air to the lungs during sedation or anesthesia.
Full Definition
Airway obstruction in dental anesthesiology refers to any mechanical impediment to airflow through the nasal or oral pharynx, larynx, or trachea. It may be caused by soft-tissue relaxation (tongue falling posteriorly), foreign body aspiration, secretions, or laryngospasm. Editors must distinguish obstruction from apnea, which is cessation of respiratory effort rather than a physical blockade. In procedural notes, obstruction is graded as partial (noisy or labored breathing) or complete (silent chest). Prompt recognition and documentation language are critical in incident reports.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use interchangeably with 'apnea' (cessation of breathing effort) or 'laryngospasm' (involuntary vocal cord closure); each describes a distinct clinical phenomenon.
In Context
- "The operative report documented a transient partial airway obstruction resolved with a jaw-thrust maneuver." — Operative/procedure report
- "Pre-sedation screening must identify anatomical risk factors for airway obstruction." — Clinical protocol document