AIRWAY-OBSTRUCTION WITH STRIDOR DUE TO NASAL SECRETIONS

Two cases of non-fatal airway obstruction by nasal secretions are desc ribed. The diagnosis was made after laryngoscopy and the features whic h suggested this previously undescribed aetiology were: depression of conscious level; poor oral hygiene; and irregular friable mass with mu coid areas obstructing the airway. The diagnosis was confirmed by hist ological examination of the obstructing material which was composed of laminated fragments of squamous epithelium, keratin debris and mucus. It is suggested that these masses form in the post-nasal space and th en become dislodged descending into the larynx, where they cause parti al laryngeal obstruction and strider. In patients whose conscious leve l is depressed and who have poor oral hygiene, nasal secretions should be considered as a cause of sudden unexplained airway obstruction and strider.