The tongue is the number one cause of airway obstruction; however, foreign bodies such as vomit, food, latex balloons, and toys can also obstruct the airway

• A. Tongue
• B. Foreign body obstruction
• C. Mucosal swelling
• D. Vomiting

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that airway obstruction most often happens because the tongue falls back and occludes the airway when muscle tone is reduced, especially in an unconscious or supine patient. Because the tongue sits at the back of the mouth, relaxing muscles allow it to slide into the pharynx and block airflow. That’s why airway maneuvers like head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust are focused on moving the tongue forward and keeping the airway open. Foreign bodies such as vomit, food, latex balloons, or toys can cause obstruction too, but they’re less likely to be the primary cause overall; they’re more about choking on an object. So the tongue is identified as the most common source of airway blockage, with foreign bodies being important but secondary contributors in many scenarios.