Which symptom indicates a severe airway obstruction?

No breath sounds indicate a severe airway obstruction because it suggests that airflow is completely blocked, preventing air from reaching the lungs and consequently not allowing any breath sounds to be produced during inhalation or exhalation. In cases of severe obstruction, the patient may exhibit signs of respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing and the inability to vocalize. This lack of breath sounds is a critical warning sign that immediate intervention is required, such as the Heimlich maneuver or advanced airway management, to relieve the obstruction and restore normal breathing.

Other symptoms, such as continuous coughing, increased respiratory rate, and wheezing, can be present in varying degrees of airway compromise but do not signify a complete blockage. Coughing can still occur as a reflex mechanism in cases of partial obstruction, while an increased respiratory rate could indicate anxiety or distress but does not necessarily correlate with a severe condition. Wheezing indicates that there is still some airflow, albeit narrowed, and is often associated with conditions like asthma or bronchospasm rather than a complete obstruction.