Weight Loss

doi:10.1017/9781009500760.024

Chapter 24 - Weight Loss

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 April 2026

Adriana Wechsler

Edited by

Angela Bray Lindsay and

Monica Kathleen Wattana

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Angela Bray Lindsay: Affiliation:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Monica Kathleen Wattana: Affiliation:
University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center

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Summary

1. Stridor denotes severe airway obstruction with impending respiratory failure that requires immediate evaluation and treatment, regardless of oxygenation level.

2. Obstruction may arise at the level of the pharynx, hypopharynx, epiglottis, larynx, subglottic region or trachea.

3. Regardless of the precise cause, begin therapy with IV corticosteroids and nebulized racemic epinephrine while completing the diagnostic work up. If head and neck cancer is suspected, administering steroids to reduce edema may allow time to organize airway management in a more controlled setting.

4. Keeping both the patient and staff calm is also important in maintaining the airway.

5. If intubation or emergent surgical airway is necessary defer to the most experienced personnel.

Keywords

Airway obstruction trismus stridor head and neck cancer laryngeal cancer thyroid cancer myasthenia gravis racemic epinephrine heliox tracheostomy laryngoscopy pharynx larynx trachea epiglottis oncologic emergency

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Oncologic Emergency Medicine
Clinical Cases Illustrating Key Concepts
, pp. 118 - 122
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009500760.024 [Opens in a new window]
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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