airway assessment tools

Airway assessment tools are methods healthcare professionals use to evaluate how easy or difficult it might be to breathe or insert a tube into a person's windpipe (airway). These tools, such as the Mallampati score or thyromental distance measurement, involve examining features like throat anatomy, jaw size, and neck movement. By assessing these factors, clinicians can identify potential challenges in airway management, helping to plan safe procedures like anesthesia or emergency breathing support. The goal is to ensure airway safety and minimize complications during medical interventions.