Airway management

Abstract

Proper airway management is vitally important to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation in a patient; without it, death, brain injury, and cardiopulmonary compromise can quickly ensue. Whether a patient receives general anesthesia-in which normal airway reflexes are deliberately suppressed in a controlled fashion-or intravenous sedatives that depress normal respirations in a dose-dependent manner, it is paramount to understand the anatomic abnormalities that can affect management of the airway. This chapter will examine features of both the normal and abnormal airway; highlight the nature of airway anomalies found in common pediatric and adult syndromes; discuss components of a comprehensive airway examination; and describe the airway management for these patients. A thorough understanding of proper airway assessment can go a long way in minimizing the morbidity and mortality that can result from inadequate oxygenation and ventilation.