Difficult Airway and Its Management

Abstract

In the emergency unit, there may not be enough time for proper airway evaluationof a patient with respiratory distress. However, albeit fast, evaluation of headand neck mobility, lower jaw position, condition of teeth, mouth opening, mouthanatomy, and jaw-thyroid distance can contribute significantly to the correct managementof the process. Based on these results, a decision can be made on how to managethe airway and how to proceed. If there is a finding of a difficult airway, a call for helpshould not be delayed. Ready-to-use \"emergency airway management kit\" is important.Determining whether the condition is a \"difficult airway\" is important becausethe \"anticipated difficult airway\" and \"unanticipated difficult airway\" approaches aredifferent. There are numerous options for providing respiratory support to patients,and conservative approaches should be prioritized. Definitely, in addition to respiratorysupport with bag-masks, supraglottic airway devices, endotracheal tubes, andtracheostomy approach may also be processed without delay, in case of need. The aimof all procedures is to provide the patient with oxygen, which is indispensable for life.It should not be forgotten to avoid oxygen neglection during selecting the method,which requires least interventions and guarantees airway security. Consequently, insemi-urgent states, a more detailed evaluation of the patient is more appropriate.