Final answer:
Signs of a severe upper airway obstruction in an infant or child include shortness of breath, wheezing, inability to speak or cry out, clutching at the throat, and potentially a blue skin tone, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms indicate respiratory distress and can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signs of a severe upper airway obstruction in an infant or child include various symptoms that indicate the child is having difficulty breathing. These signs may involve respiratory distress such as shortness of breath, wheezes or stridor, hoarseness, and pain with swallowing. Other indications of a possible airway obstruction include severe coughing or the inability to cry out or speak. In cases of choking, breathing becomes laborious with gasping or wheezing sounds, and the child may clutch at their throat or mouth. A severe obstruction left untreated can lead to a change in the color of the skin to blue due to lack of oxygen, loss of consciousness, and can be life-threatening. Symptoms such as a swollen throat, sensation of a lump, dizziness, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness may also occur, indicating a severe and emergency situation.