ABSTRACT
There are several objective signs of airway obstruction. Agitation can result from hypoxia, and hypercarbia can cause obtundation. Cyanosis can be observed in the nail beds and circumoral skin, and indicates hypoxaemia secondary to inadequate ventilation. Accessory muscles are employed in an attempt to improve ventilation in the setting of airway compromise. Other objective features of airway obstruction include noisy breathing (for example, snoring or stridor with partial occlusion of the pharynx/larynx) or dysphonia (hoarseness) with laryngeal obstruction.
