airway obstruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "airway obstruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical contexts to describe a blockage in the airway that can impede breathing. Example: "The patient was diagnosed with airway obstruction, which required immediate medical intervention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The localization of upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may optimize treatment.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

In cases of severe airway obstruction, hospitalization may be necessary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sleep apnea is a common condition characterized by temporary breathing interruptions during sleep, often due to an upper airway obstruction.

The New York Times

Airway obstruction   16.2.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Symptoms of airway obstruction appeared.

JA Clinical Reports

Airway obstruction after extubation was a concern.

JA Clinical Reports

Suspected three-stage mechanism of airway obstruction.

JA Clinical Reports

Bronchodilators are frequently used to attenuate airway obstruction in equine heaves (or recurrent airway obstruction).

The Veterinary Journal

c Lower airway obstruction caused by a clot.

JA Clinical Reports

The patient's airway obstruction resolved after a short time.

JA Clinical Reports

EAF can involve the lung and cause symptomatic airway obstruction.

Surgical Case Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider using simpler terms like "blocked airway" or "breathing difficulty" instead of the more technical term "airway obstruction".

Common error

Avoid using "airway obstruction" when referring to general breathing difficulties not specifically caused by a physical blockage. Use broader terms like "respiratory distress" or "dyspnea" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "airway obstruction" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting the condition of having a blocked or narrowed airway. As Ludwig AI has shown, it is widely used in scientific and medical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "airway obstruction" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used primarily in scientific and medical contexts to describe a blockage or narrowing of the airway. Ludwig AI validates this usage, providing numerous examples from authoritative sources. While simpler terms might be suitable for general audiences, "airway obstruction" remains the standard technical term. Alternatives such as "blocked airway" or "respiratory obstruction" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and specificity. Understanding the appropriate context and avoiding misapplication of the term are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blocked airway

This alternative uses a more common adjective to describe the state of the airway.

airway blockage

This phrase replaces "obstruction" with a more direct synonym.

respiratory obstruction

This alternative broadens the scope to include any part of the respiratory system.

breathing passage obstruction

This is a more descriptive alternative, specifying the function of the airway.

obstructed breathing

This alternative shifts the focus to the act of breathing rather than the airway itself.

impeded respiration

This is a more formal and clinical way to describe difficulty breathing due to a blockage.

compromised airway

This alternative highlights the reduced functionality of the airway.

airway narrowing

This alternative focuses on a reduction in the size of the airway, which can lead to obstruction.

restricted airflow

This alternative emphasizes the reduced flow of air due to an obstruction.

difficulty breathing

This is a more general term for any problem with breathing, including airway obstruction.

FAQs

How is "airway obstruction" diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, and potentially procedures like bronchoscopy to visualize the airway directly.

What are common causes of "airway obstruction"?

Common causes include foreign objects, swelling from allergic reactions or infections, tumors, and conditions like asthma or COPD. In sleep apnea, "obstructive sleep apnea" is frequently diagnosed.

What is the difference between "airway obstruction" and "respiratory distress"?

"Airway obstruction" refers specifically to a blockage in the airway, while "respiratory distress" is a broader term indicating difficulty breathing, which can have many causes beyond just obstruction.

What are some treatments for "airway obstruction"?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. It can range from the Heimlich maneuver for foreign objects to medications for swelling or bronchospasm, to surgery for tumors or structural abnormalities.