What is a common symptom of an upper airway obstruction?

Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound typically produced during inhalation when there is partial obstruction of the upper airway. This sound indicates that air is moving through a narrowed space, often as a result of conditions like swelling, foreign body presence, or structural issues in the upper airway. The presence of stridor is a key clinical sign that points to an obstruction, distinguishing it from other respiratory sounds associated with different types of obstruction or respiratory issues. Recognition of stridor is critical for prompt assessment and management in emergency situations, as it can indicate the need for interventions such as securing the airway, especially in children and patients with severe conditions. Other symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and severe coughing may be present in various respiratory conditions, but stridor is specifically associated with upper airway obstruction.