Which sign may indicate an airway obstruction?

An inability to speak or cough effectively is a significant indicator of an airway obstruction. When an individual's airway is obstructed, it prevents oxygen from entering the lungs, which can severely impact their ability to communicate or perform any forceful effort like coughing. This inability signals that the airway might be partially or fully blocked, requiring immediate attention.

While other signs and symptoms can be associated with airway issues, such as a cough or abnormal breathing sounds, they do not indicate a complete obstruction as clearly as the inability to speak or cough. Slight coughing might suggest that some air is still passing through, and normal breathing sounds can reflect that air is moving adequately without obstruction. Low blood pressure, on the other hand, does not specifically indicate airway problems but can be a sign of other medical conditions. Therefore, recognizing the inability to speak or cough is crucial in identifying airway obstructions and responding promptly.