What are the two types of airway obstructions?

The identification of the two types of airway obstructions as foreign-body and anatomical obstructions is correct because these categories encompass the primary reasons an airway can be blocked.

Foreign-body obstruction refers to situations where an object—such as food, a toy, or another item—physically obstructs the airway. This type of obstruction typically occurs suddenly and can happen to anyone, particularly children. It is critical to recognize this type as it often requires immediate intervention, such as the Heimlich maneuver or other rescue techniques, to clear the obstruction.

Anatomical obstruction, on the other hand, involves blockage due to internal structures of the body, such as swelling of the airway tissues due to an allergic reaction, illness, or trauma affecting the airway. This type of obstruction may develop over a period of time or can also occur suddenly, as in cases of anaphylaxis, where the throat can swell dramatically and impede airflow.

The other options describe different aspects or classifications of airway obstructions but do not encapsulate the main types as effectively as the combination of foreign-body and anatomical obstructions does. Types such as partial and complete obstructions address the severity of the airway blockage rather than categorizing the origins of the obstruction itself. Similar reasoning applies to the distinctions made