Which Mallampati class indicates a difficult airway?

Class III and Class IV are associated with difficult laryngoscopy and intubation. Class IV has a sensitivity of ~50% and specificity ~90% for predicting difficult intubation. Always combine with other assessments (mouth opening, thyromental distance, neck mobility).

How is Mallampati score assessed?

The patient is seated upright, mouth opened maximally, tongue protruded without phonation. The examiner assesses visibility of pharyngeal structures under room lighting. Phonation changes the score and should not be used.

Mallampati Airway Classification

Predicts intubation difficulty by visualizing oropharynx with mouth open and tongue protruded: Class I — soft palate, uvula, fauces, pillars fully visible; Class II — soft palate, uvula visible; Class III — soft palate, base of uvula; Class IV — only hard palate visible.

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Mallampati Airway Classification

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mallampati class indicates a difficult airway?

How is Mallampati score assessed?