How Nasotracheal Suctioning Is Performed?

"Nasotracheal suction is a procedure in which sputum is sucked from the trachea using a suction device. This procedure is performed on those individuals who cannot clear their windpipe through coughing or any other means. Besides sputum, if water, blood, or any other particles enter the lungs, these particles can also be removed from the trachea through this procedure. It is essential to do this because these particles can create blockages, hindering the proper transport of oxygen in the lungs. Consequently, the oxygen levels in the body decrease, leading to the possibility of various complications. In medical terms, this condition is called hypoxia.
Let's see how Nasotracheal suction is performed:
First of all, the doctor will connect a tube to a suction pump and set the suction pressure. Then, a catheter is attached to the suction tube. The end of the catheter is moistened with water-soluble lubricants so that it can pass easily through the nasal route. The patient will be asked to breathe, and the catheter tube is carefully inserted through the nasal passage into the trachea. Once in place, sputum and other particles are suctioned from the trachea by turning on the suction pump. Suction should not last more than 10 to 15 seconds because prolonged suction can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the lungs, potentially causing hypoxia.
If sputum is found in the right bronchiole, the patient's head is tilted to the left, guiding the catheter tube towards the right bronchiole for effective suction. Similarly, if sputum is found in the left bronchiole, the patient's head is moved to the right side, and the sputum is suctioned.
After the procedure, the suction tube is slowly removed, and the patient will resume normal breathing."

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