Name one common cause of airway obstruction.

A common cause of airway obstruction is tongue blockage. The tongue can obstruct the airway, especially in individuals who are unconscious or have reduced muscle tone, such as in cases of sedation or certain medical conditions. When the tongue falls back into the throat, it can block airflow, making it difficult for a person to breathe. This is particularly relevant in emergency situations where maintaining a clear airway is crucial for effective respiration and oxygenation.

In other scenarios, fluid in the lungs, hernia, and pneumonia can cause respiratory complications but they do not directly obstruct the airway like tongue blockage does. For instance, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) primarily affects gas exchange in the alveoli rather than blocking the airway directly. A hernia typically involves the displacement of internal organs and is unrelated to airway obstruction. Pneumonia can lead to inflammation and consolidation in the lungs, affecting breathing but not necessarily hindering the airway pathway directly. Hence, tongue blockage stands out as a direct cause of airway obstruction.