Which is an indication of an upper airway obstruction?

Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow. It typically indicates an obstruction in the upper airway, specifically at the level of the larynx or trachea. This can occur due to swelling, a foreign body, or other blockages that impede normal airflow during inspiration. The presence of stridor suggests that the airway is compromised and cannot facilitate adequate ventilation, making it a critical sign for emergency responders to recognize and address. In contrast, the other sounds mentioned, like wheezing and rhonchi, are more associated with lower airway issues, such as bronchospasm or fluid in the larger airways, and silence may indicate severe obstruction or respiratory failure, but stridor is the distinct and classic sign of upper airway obstruction.