Airway obstruction in adults can be caused by the tongue, foreign bodies, or swelling of the upper airway from trauma. Basic level treatment includes initial assessment, airway assessment, applying abdominal thrusts for full obstruction or chest thrusts if pregnant or obese, encouraging coughing for partial obstruction, and attaching a monitor and pulse oximeter.

1. Airway Obstruction
(Adult)

2. Airway Obstruction May
Be Caused By:
• Tongue

3. Airway Obstruction May
Be Caused By:
• Foreign Bodies

4. Airway Obstruction May
Be Caused By:
• Swelling of the upper airway

5. Airway Obstruction May
Be Caused By:
• Trauma to the airway

6. Basic Level Treatment
• Initial Assessment (protocol 2.1.1)
• Airway Assessment (protocol 2.1.2)

7. Basic Level Treatment
• If foreign body airway
obstruction, apply abdominal
thrusts if airway is occluded
• Chest thrusts if pregnant or
obese
• Encourage coughing if
partial obstruction
• Attach monitor and pulse ox