DefinitionAn acute upper airway obstruction is a blockage of the upper airway, which can be in the trachea, voice box (laryngeal), or throat (pharyngeal) areas.Alternative NamesAirway obstruction - acute upperCauses, incidence, and risk factorsCauses of acute upper airway obstruction include:Allergic reactions in which the trachea or throat swell closed, including allergic reactions to a bee sting, peanuts, antibiotics (penicillin), and blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors)Chemical burnsand reactionsCroupEpiglottitis(infection of the structure separating the trachea from the esophagus)Fire or burns from breathing in smokeForeign bodies -- such as peanuts and other breathed-in foods, pieces of a balloon, buttons, coins, and small toysViral or bacteria infectionsPeritonsillar abscessRe