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The gag reflex involves a brisk and brief elevation of the soft palate and bilateral contraction of pharyngeal muscles evoked by touching the posterior pharyngeal wall. Touching the soft palate can lead to a similar reflex response. However, in that case, the sensory limb of the reflex is the CN V (trigeminal nerve). In very sensitive ...
Because an oropharyngeal airway can mechanically stimulate the gag reflex, it should only be used in a deeply sedated or unresponsive patient to avoid vomiting and aspiration. [26] Careful attention must be made while inserting an OPA. The user must avoid pushing the tongue further down the patient's throat.
Before inserting the probe, mild to moderate sedation is induced in the patient to ease the discomfort and to decrease the gag reflex. Usually a local anesthetic spray (e.g., lidocaine , benzocaine , xylocaine ) is used for the back of the throat or as a jelly/lubricant anesthetic for the esophagus.
An NPA is often used in patients who are conscious or have an altered level of consciousness [6] where an oropharyngeal airway would trigger the gag reflex. [7] [8] The use of an NPA is contraindicated when there is trauma to the face, especially the nose or if there is a suspected skull fracture. [9]
Oropharyngeal airways are indicated only in unconscious people, because of the likelihood that the device would stimulate a gag reflex in conscious or semi-conscious persons. This could result in vomiting and potentially lead to an obstructed airway. Nasopharyngeal airways are mostly used instead as they do not stimulate a gag reflex.
Pharyngeal reflex — also known as the gag reflex. Photic sneeze reflex — a sneeze caused by sudden exposure to bright light. Plantar reflex — in infants up to 1 year of age, a curling of the toes when something rubs the ball of the foot. Pupillary accommodation reflex — a reduction of pupil size in response to an object coming close to ...
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Laryngeal reflex is lost although inflammation of the upper respiratory tract increases reflex irritability, corneal reflex disappears, secretion of tears increases (a useful sign of light anesthesia), respiration is automatic and regular, movement and deep breathing as a response to skin stimulation disappears.