Surgery | Common Surgical Conditions | Skin, Head and Neck: Upper Airway Obstructions

Skin Head and Neck Upper Airway Obstruction
Session Overview
Description
This session discusses the causes and diagnostic approach of head and neck upper airway obstructions.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• List the different causes of upper airway obstruction
• Know the diagnostic approach of upper airway obstruction
• Describe the clinical presentation and the management plan of the common causes of upper airway obstruction

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• Be familiar with the anatomy of the upper airway

The upper airway extends from the nasal passages to the upper part of the trachea (Fig 1).

The causes of upper airway obstruction can be classified in many ways, including paediatric and adult causes.

Symptoms and signs vary according to the site of obstruction and whether it is acute or chronic in nature [1](read details regarding the reference).