Oral suction is a procedure used to remove saliva, mucus, vomit, or other foreign material from a person's mouth. This helps maintain a clear airway, improving breathing and oxygenation. It's particularly helpful for individuals who cannot effectively clear their own secretions due to conditions affecting swallowing, tongue movement, or coughing ability.
When is Oral Suction Necessary?
Oral suction becomes necessary when a person is unable to clear their mouth effectively. This can be due to several reasons:
- Impaired swallowing reflex: Difficulty swallowing prevents the natural clearance of secretions.
- Impaired tongue or mouth movements: Conditions affecting motor control can limit the ability to move secretions.
- Weak cough: A weak or ineffective cough prevents the expulsion of excess secretions.
How Oral Suction Works
Oral suction typically involves using a small plastic tube, such as a Yankauer suction catheter, connected to a suction machine. The catheter is carefully inserted into the mouth to remove the obstructing secretions. It is crucial to note that the suction tip should not be inserted too far back into the throat to avoid stimulating the gag reflex or causing injury. (Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
Different devices exist for oral suctioning, including:
- Yankauer suction catheters: These are commonly used for removing larger amounts of secretions.
- Suction swabs: These are smaller and used for removing smaller amounts of secretions or in more delicate situations. (NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information)
- Bulb syringes: These are often used for infants and young children. (Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters)
The choice of device depends on factors such as the patient's age, condition, and the amount of secretion requiring removal.
Important Considerations
While oral suction is a valuable tool for airway management, it's essential to understand its limitations and proper usage. As noted by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, an oral suction unit should only be used for suction from the mouth (oral cavity). Improper use can lead to complications. The procedure is usually performed by trained medical professionals to ensure patient safety. Metzitzah b'peh, a ritualistic form of oral suction, is specifically excluded as it is not medically indicated. (NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)
