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Choking

Dental patients are susceptible to choking due to the presence of blood and secretions in their mouths for prolonged periods, suppressed pharyngeal reflexes due to local anaesthesia or the presence of impression material or dental equipment in their mouths.

Signs and symptoms include:

  • Patient may cough and splutter
  • Patient may complain of breathing difficulty
  • Patient may develop ‘paradoxical’ chest or abdominal movements
  • Patient may become cyanosed and lose consciousness

Management

  • Remove any visible foreign bodies in the mouth and pharynx.
  • Encourage the patient to cough.
  • If the patient is unable to cough but remains conscious, commence back blows followed by abdominal thrusts.
  • If the patient becomes unconscious, basic life support (BLS) should be started immediately; this may also help to dislodge the foreign body.
  • Call an ambulance and transfer patient to hospital as an emergency.