What is a contraindication for using a supraglottic airway?

A contraindication for using a supraglottic airway is present when there is stridor. Stridor indicates a potential upper airway obstruction or significant edema, leading to the risk of further complicating the airway situation. In such cases, using a supraglottic airway could exacerbate the obstruction, potentially causing airway compromise due to the device not being able to navigate through or above the blockage effectively.

Patients with stridor typically require advanced airway management techniques that can ensure they are protected from further obstruction.

While a conscious patient may indicate a risk for the use of a supraglottic airway, consciousness itself is not an absolute contraindication unless the patient's mental status affects their ability to manage an airway safely. A low heart rate could indicate a variety of conditions, but it alone does not necessarily contraindicate the use of a supraglottic airway. An upper respiratory infection may pose challenges, but it does not classify as an outright contraindication for supraglottic airway placement in most scenarios.