Learning About a Difficult Airway

When you breathe, air flows down to the lungs and passes through the throat, voicebox (larynx), and windpipe (trachea). These structures make up the airway.

During some procedures, your airway may need to be kept open to help you breathe. A ventilator may be used or a breathing tube may be placed into the windpipe. Sometimes both are used.

A difficult airway is a condition in which the breathing tube is hard to place. It can turn into an emergency if your doctor isn't able to place the tube.

A difficult airway can be caused by different things, including:

• Your body and airway structure. These can include limited range of motion in the neck, mouth, or jaw.
• Your body and airway function. These include some medical conditions, such as sleep apnea or severe obesity.

It may be something you're born with. Your airway can also change over time, so the condition can develop over time too.

You may be at risk if you've had neck surgery or trauma to your face. You may have greater risk if you have sleep apnea or severe obesity. Let your care team know if you've been told you have a difficult airway.

There are often no symptoms. Your doctor will find the condition when they try to place your breathing tube during a procedure.

Before the procedure, your doctor may ask about any medical conditions and other procedures you've had. Your doctor may also check your neck, mouth, and jaw to see how well they move.

It's often diagnosed during a procedure when a breathing tube is needed and is not easily placed.

You have a difficult airway if:

• It's difficult to keep your airway open.
• It's hard to see your vocal cords.
• There are multiple or prolonged attempts to place the breathing tube.
• Multiple people have attempted to place the breathing tube.
• Multiple devices are needed to help keep your airway open.

During the procedure, doctors will make sure your airway stays open.

Special doctors and equipment may be used to make placing the breathing tube easier and safer. Doctors may begin placing the tube before the procedure, when you're awake. Most of the time they'll begin after you've had medicine to make you sleep (anesthesia) but before the procedure begins.

After the procedure a bracelet may be placed on you during your hospital stay to show that you have a difficult airway. This helps healthcare providers know how to take care of you.