Hazards of Excessive Oral Secretions and Need for Oropharyngeal Suctioning

Oral secretions are a combination of saliva and mucus from the nose and lungs.

Hazards of excessive oral secretions:

(1) obstruction of the upper airway

(2) difficult or uncomfortable breathing

(3) intolerance to or disruption of noninvasive ventilation

(4) inability to use an oronasal mask

(5) risk of aspiration

(6) episodes of choking and restlessness

(7) anxiety and panic attacks

(8) need for emergency hospitalization, intubation, invasive ventilation and unplanned tracheostomy

Oropharyngeal suctioning can reduce or eliminate these hazards