UPPER AIRWAY REFLEXES

Knowledge of changes in upper airway reflex activity is of importance to anaesthetists. A clear airway allows safe ventilation of the lungs and oxygenation of the patient, and a means by which the depth of inha lation anaesthesia can be rapidly altered. In contrast, increased sens itivity of the upper airway reflexes during induction of anaesthesia i ncreases the likelihood of laryngospasm and coughing which impair the smooth administration of inhalation anaesthesia and, when severe, may be life threatening. During recovery from general anaesthesia the lary nx plays a primary role in protection of the lungs from aspiration of foreign material which may predispose the patient to the development o f post-operative chest infection, aspiration pneumonia and lung abcess es.