Breathing obstruction, or a partial or total blockage of the airways, can be a life-threatening situation. It can happen suddenly, due to choking on an inhaled foreign object or swelling resulting from an allergic reaction; ongoing, as in sleep apnea; or gradually, due to a progressive disease such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea causes frequent periods when breathing stops during sleep, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI. The airway is blocked by excessive relaxation of the tongue and throat. Obese individuals are more prone to the disorder. Loud, chronic snoring, with pauses in breathing followed by gasping and choking, characterizes obstructive sleep apnea. Each time breathing is obstructed, a low oxygen level partially awakens the sufferer, which tightens the lax tissue and allows breathing to occur. The only sign a patient may have is excessive daytime sleepiness. Family members are often the ones to notice the symptoms. (Reference 5)
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is defined as a swelling of the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing to protect against choking. Swelling of the epiglottis is a potentially life-threatening breathing obstruction, explains the Mayo Clinic. Swelling is most commonly caused by bacterial infections. Injury to the epiglottis, such as from a burn due to hot liquids, swallowing a foreign object or irritation from smoked drugs such as crack cocaine, can also cause epiglottitis. Breathing can be completely obstructed by epiglottitis. (Reference 3)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a progressive, ongoing lung disease. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD. Breathing becomes difficult due to partial obstruction caused by thickening and swelling of the airways, loss of elasticity of lung tissues and excessive production of mucus, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Smoking causes COPD in 90 percent of cases. Other causes include long-term exposure to toxins, dust or pollution. Sufferers experience a cough that produces large amounts of mucus, chest tightening, wheezing and shortness of breath. (Reference 2)
Severe Allergic Reactions
Severe and sudden allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis, cause potentially life-threatening swelling of the tongue and throat that can cause a breathing obstruction. Following exposure to a substance that causes an allergic response, such as aspirin, penicillin, peanuts, shellfish, bee stings or latex, the immune system can overreact, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can occur very rapidly, or take as long as 24 hours to develop. The first sign is usually itching, accompanied by hives and swelling. Difficulty speaking, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing occur due to swelling. If not treated, anaphylaxis can cause shock, cardiac arrest and death. (Reference 4)
