Obstructive Airway
Signs and symptoms#
Severe airway obstruction#
- patient unable to speak
- patient unable to breathe
- wheezing
- unable to cough
- if prolonged, unconsciousness
Mild airway obstruction#
- patient may clutch their neck
- able to speak and respond
- able to breathe
- able to cough
Actions#
Severe airway obstruction#
- if the patient is conscious – 5 back blows, or 5 abdominal thrusts
- if the patient is unconscious – initiate basic life support (BLS) and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- if the patient is conscious – 5 back blows, or 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
- sweep mouth to remove any foreign body
Mild airway obstruction#
- encourage cough
- consider if dental treatment should be continued or rescheduled
References/Websites#
- References
- Greenwood M, et al. General medicine and surgery for dental practitioners: part 2. Medical emergencies in dental practice: the drug box, equipment and basic principles of management. BDJ. 2014;216(11):633-637.
- Greenwood M. General medicine and surgery for dental practitioners: part 3. Management of specific medical emergencies in dental practice. BDJ. 2014;217(1):21-26.
- Haas DA. Preparing dental office staff members for emergencies. Developing a basic action plan JADA. 2010;141(5 suppl):8S-13S.
- Rosenberg M. Preparing for medical emergencies. The essential drugs and equipment for the dental office. JADA. 2010;141(5 suppl):14S-19S.
- Jevon P. Medical emergencies in the dental practice poster: revised and updated. BDJ. 2020;229(2):97-104.