What can obstruct the airway during a head tilt chin lift?

During a head tilt-chin lift maneuver, the primary goal is to open the airway to facilitate breathing. The technique involves tilting the head back and lifting the chin to reposition the airway. However, soft tissues under the lower jaw can obstruct the airway if they collapse or fall backward into the throat when the head is tilted. This is particularly important in unconscious or semi-conscious patients, where loss of muscle tone can lead to the soft tissues blocking the airway.

Understanding this is critical because while other factors like obstructions in the throat, swollen airway tissue, or exposed spine may also play a role in airway management, the immediate concern during a head tilt-chin lift is the position of the soft throat structures that might impede airflow. Recognizing this allows healthcare providers to promptly address potential airway issues that could arise from performing the maneuver.