Difficulty Breathing & Airway Obstruction

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can access exceptional care for difficulty breathing and airway obstruction. As a global leader in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For over a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck conditions.

Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for complex specialty care according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT and head and neck conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists has pioneered many of the otorhinolaryngological techniques used today and is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety.

When you need difficulty breathing and airway obstruction care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.

Breathing difficulties and airway obstruction can stem from a variety of underlying causes, ranging from chronic conditions and genetic disorders to infections, injuries and structural issues. Conditions leading to breathing difficulties include:

• Cardiopulmonary emergencies like blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) and anaphylaxis can cause sudden, life-threatening airway obstruction or oxygen deprivation.
• Chronic respiratory diseases (e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis) 
• Genetic and developmental disorders (e.g. cystic fibrosis and congenital abnormalities)
• Infections and inflammatory conditions (e.g. pneumonia, tuberculosis and interstitial lung disease) 
• Liquid in or around the lung (pleural effusion) and pneumothorax 
• Malignant or benign tumors in the lungs can obstruct or compress the airways.
• Obstructive conditions (e.g. sleep apnea, foreign object aspiration or upper airway swelling) 

Symptoms of difficulty breathing and airway obstruction include:

• Breathing rapidly and shallowly or wheezing 
• Chest feels heavy or tight 
• Pain in the chest, arms, back, neck or jaw 
• Skin or lips appear pale, blue or gray, especially around the mouth

Other symptoms include sweating, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, coughing up blood or heart palpitations. 

To diagnose difficulty breathing, a doctor will typically perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Tests like a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests and lung function tests (spirometry) may be ordered to identify the underlying cause of your breathing difficulties. Additional tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or echocardiogram, may be needed.

Treatment for breathing difficulties and airway obstruction is dependent on the underlying cause, type and severity of the condition. We provide a variety of treatments for airway obstruction, always using the most minimally invasive techniques possible to ensure positive outcomes and reduce recovery time. 

• Emergency treatments including rapid administration of epinephrine or airway intubation for anaphylaxis. Anticoagulants or surgical clot removal for pulmonary embolism can also be effective when rapid interventions are needed.
• Medications such as antibiotics and antivirals for infection, bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory medications for chronic conditions such as asthma or COPD, and mucus-thinning treatments for genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis
• Minimally invasive procedures (e.g. endoscopy and bronchoscopy) 
• Supportive care treatments include oxygen therapy for conditions causing low oxygen levels and pulmonary rehabilitation to improve lung function and breathing techniques.
• Surgical interventions to repair or stabilize structural abnormalities