upper airway causes

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • infections:
    • acute epiglottitis
    • diphtheria
    • Ludwig's angina
  • trauma:
    • prolonged endotracheal tube intubation leading to subglottic stenosis
    • gunshot wounds and cut throat
    • inhalation of steam or hot vapour
    • swallowing of corrosive fluids
    • radiotherapy causing laryngeal oedema
  • malignant tumours:
    • advanced malignant disease of the tongue, larynx, pharynx or upper trachea
  • bilateral laryngeal palsies - after surgery; bulbar palsy
  • foreign body