Anaphylaxis can cause which life-threatening airway condition?

Anaphylaxis can cause which life-threatening airway condition?

• A. Asthma attack
• B. Laryngospasm
• C. Bronchitis
• D. Respiratory obstruction

Answer: (D)

Anaphylaxis can rapidly cause swelling of the airway and narrowing of the passages as mediators like histamine increase vascular permeability and mucous production. This edema of the airway lining, especially in the pharynx and larynx, plus possible bronchospasm, can lead to a partial or complete obstruction of airflow. That immediate risk of airway blockage is what makes it a life-threatening airway event. While an asthma-like bronchoconstriction can occur during an anaphylactic reaction, the decisive danger in this context is the obstruction from airway edema and secretions. Bronchitis describes inflammation of the bronchi but isn’t the acute, potentially fatal airway blockage seen with anaphylaxis. Laryngospasm can contribute to airway obstruction in some situations, but the most directly life-threatening airway issue raised by anaphylaxis is respiratory obstruction due to swelling and mucus buildup.

Anaphylaxis can rapidly cause swelling of the airway and narrowing of the passages as mediators like histamine increase vascular permeability and mucous production. This edema of the airway lining, especially in the pharynx and larynx, plus possible bronchospasm, can lead to a partial or complete obstruction of airflow. That immediate risk of airway blockage is what makes it a life-threatening airway event.

While an asthma-like bronchoconstriction can occur during an anaphylactic reaction, the decisive danger in this context is the obstruction from airway edema and secretions. Bronchitis describes inflammation of the bronchi but isn’t the acute, potentially fatal airway blockage seen with anaphylaxis. Laryngospasm can contribute to airway obstruction in some situations, but the most directly life-threatening airway issue raised by anaphylaxis is respiratory obstruction due to swelling and mucus buildup.