> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://handbook.teddwa.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://handbook.teddwa.xyz/airway-problems/foreign-body-airway-obstruction.md). # Foreign body airway obstruction Relieve airway obstruction and support ventilation after removal. ### Identify obstruction A partial obstruction may cause coughing, wheezing, stridor, or difficulty speaking. Encourage an alert patient with an effective cough to continue coughing. A severe obstruction may cause inability to speak, a silent cough, cyanosis, clutching the throat, or rapidly decreasing consciousness. ### Treat severe obstruction 1. Give five back blows between the shoulder blades. 2. Give five abdominal thrusts. Use chest thrusts for pregnancy or when abdominal thrusts are not possible. 3. Repeat back blows and thrusts until the object clears or the patient becomes unresponsive. Do not perform blind finger sweeps. Remove an object only if it is clearly visible and easily reachable. ### If the patient becomes unresponsive Lower the patient to a firm surface. Begin CPR, starting with chest compressions. Open the airway before breaths and look for a visible object. Remove it only when seen. Attempt ventilation after each airway check. Apply an AED as soon as available. Continue CPR until the airway clears, the patient recovers, or care transfers. ### After clearance Apply oxygen and assess breathing, chest rise, breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and mental status. Provide assisted ventilation with a bag-valve mask if breathing remains inadequate. Transport for assessment if symptoms persist, airway trauma is suspected, or the patient required CPR. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://handbook.teddwa.xyz/airway-problems/foreign-body-airway-obstruction.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.