The most common airway obstruction is the tongue.
It blocks the upper airway causing asphyxiation in many patients who are
comatose or have suffered cardiopulmonary arrest. An airway obstruction is
considered to be life-threatening and should get immediate medical attention.
The severity of the obstruction varies on a case to case basis and a people
should be aware how to properly perform first aid to avoid further
complications. If a person has not been able to breathe a possible tracheotomy
will be performed by the rescuer as a quick response. This is to enable the
passage of air back to the brain.
