Airway obstruction is when something blocks the air from moving in or out of the lungs. This means a person cannot breathe properly. It is a very serious problem because the body needs air to get oxygen, which keeps us alive. When the airway is blocked, the person may not get enough oxygen and can quickly become very sick.
The airway is the path that air follows when we breathe. It starts at the mouth and nose, goes down the throat, and reaches the lungs. When this path is clear, air moves easily so we can breathe in fresh air and breathe out used air. But if something blocks this path, it is called an airway obstruction.
Airway obstruction can happen to anyone at any time. It often happens when food or a small object gets stuck in the throat. It can also happen if swelling or swelling in the throat makes the airway narrow. Sometimes, allergies or injuries can cause this. It is important to recognise airway obstruction quickly because it needs urgent care.
Signs that someone has an airway obstruction include trouble breathing, noisy breathing like wheezing or coughing, clutching their throat, or being unable to talk or make sounds. They may panic or look scared. The skin might turn pale, blue, or grey, especially around the lips and fingers because not enough oxygen is reaching the body. If the blockage is not cleared, the person can lose consciousness or even stop breathing.
In first aid, the goal when someone has an airway obstruction is to help clear their airway and help them breathe again. You want to remove whatever is blocking the air so it can move freely. This helps get oxygen back into their body. The quicker you act, the better the chances of the person recovering without problems.
If you see someone having trouble breathing or showing signs of a blocked airway, check if they can speak, cough, or breathe normally. If they can cough forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing. Coughing is the body’s way to try and clear the blockage by itself.
If the person cannot cough, speak, or breathe properly, it means the airway is seriously blocked. In this case, they might need help to remove the blockage. It can be frightening to see but staying calm and acting quickly is very important.
For a conscious person with a blocked airway, you can encourage them to cough and breathe if possible. If the blockage doesn’t clear and they are still choking, they may need a specific form of first aid called back blows and abdominal thrusts. These are steps that help push the blockage out. It is important to be gentle but firm. This kind of help should only be given to people who are awake and can show signs of choking.
If the person becomes unconscious, they will not be able to cough or breathe on their own. In this case, it is important to lie them down safely on their back. You should then call emergency services immediately by dialing 000 in Australia to get help quickly.
After calling for help, check if the person is breathing. If they are not breathing or only gasping, they need CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). CPR helps to keep oxygen moving through the body until emergency services arrive. This is a life-saving action.
Preventing airway obstruction is also very important. When eating, people should chew food slowly and carefully, especially children and older adults. Avoid talking or laughing with food in the mouth. Keep small objects and toys away from small children. Make sure people with allergies are careful and carry any treatments they might need.
If you are helping someone, always stay with them and watch for changes in their breathing or colour. If the person’s condition gets worse at any time, call emergency services right away. It is better to get help quickly than to wait.
Airway obstruction is a serious emergency but knowing what to look for and what to do can save lives. Clear breathing is very important for life. When you see someone struggling to breathe or talking with difficulty, think about airway obstruction first and act calmly and confidently.
Remember, in any serious situation where the airway seems blocked and the person is having trouble breathing, call 000 for emergency help immediately. Emergency services are trained to help quickly and safely.
By understanding airway obstruction, you can be ready to help if someone near you ever has trouble breathing. Your quick actions can make all the difference in keeping them safe until professional help arrives.