Management of Airway Emergencies at ENT Clinics

There are two pathophysiologies that may cause airway emergencies at ear, nose and throat clinics. One is airway obstruction caused by airway diseases such as acute epiglottitis (upper airway) or asthma (lower airway). The second is securing the airway for emergency resuscitation. In cases of airway emergencies due to upper and lower airway obstruction caused by airway diseases, the pathophysiology of airway emergencies and obstructive lesions is always known. Hence, securing the airway and the optimal timing are the most important factors. It is important to assess and predict airway emergencies and to take the initiative to manage any airway emergencies that may arise. In cases in which the airway must be secured for emergency resuscitation, familiarity with cardiopulmonary resuscitation is essential. Managing airway emergencies entails not only securing the airway, but also providing treatment after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.