Letter to the Editor

A Lady with Repeated Respiratory Failure

Authors: Zhonglin Hao, MD, PhD, Douglas Farman, MD, FACCP, Edwin Grimsley, MD, Raj M. Patel, MD

Abstract

To the Editor:


Upper airway diseases resulting in obstruction can be caused by blockage secondary to tumor or cyst inside the larynx, compression of trachea by a goiter or airway collapse seen in obstructive sleep apnea. Failure to recognize the etiology and correct the condition promptly can be disastrous because upper airway obstruction (UAO) is a life-threatening emergency.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Weibley RE, Maldonado L. Proximal airway disorder in the pediatric patient. In: Shoemaker WC, Ayres SM, Grenvik A, et al (eds). Textbook of Critical Care, 4th ed. Philadelphia, W B Saunders Company. 2000, pp 1477–1481.
 
2. Kollef MH, Pluss J. Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema following upper airway obstruction. 7 cases and a review of the literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 1991;70:91–98.
 
3. Kathe GH. Mechanisms and anatomical sites of upper airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea in adults. UpToDate Online V14.2, 2006.
 
4. Issa FG, Sullivan CE. Alcohol, snoring and sleep apnea. J Neurol Neurosurg Psych 1982;45:353–359.
 
5. Lim J, Hellier W, Harcourt J, et al. Subglottic cysts: the Great Ormond Street experience. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2003;67:461–465.