[Acute obstruction of the oronasal passages in nursing home patients]

Life-threatening episodes of oronasal obstruction were observed in five bedridden, cachectic and dehydrated nursing-home patients with deviation of the nasal septum. During the episode they had swollen nasal mucosae and rhinorrhoea. The patients were found in bed with the nostrils sucked against the septum and the mouth tightly closed. They were cyanotic but conscious. After introduction of disposable catheters through the nose, dyspnoea and cyanosis were resolved in a few minutes and the patients were able to open the mouth spontaneously.