What is the primary risk associated with airway obstruction?

The primary risk associated with airway obstruction is hypoxia leading to brain damage or death. When an airway is obstructed, oxygen cannot reach the lungs efficiently, which results in reduced oxygen levels in the bloodstream. The brain is highly dependent on a constant supply of oxygen; even brief periods of hypoxia can cause irreversible damage to brain cells. If the obstruction is not resolved quickly, it can lead to unconsciousness, brain injury, and ultimately death.

While aspiration of foreign bodies, respiratory tract infections, and carbon dioxide retention can be serious concerns in the context of airway issues, they do not represent the immediate, life-threatening danger that hypoxia poses. The rapid progression from obstruction to hypoxia highlights the urgency of recognizing and managing airway obstruction effectively to prevent catastrophic outcomes.