Should suctioning be performed in the oral cavity or nasal cavity first?

Generally, suctioning is performed by first clearing the oral cavity and then the nasal cavity to maintain airway patency. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Suctioning primarily serves to remove foreign materials from the respiratory tract and maintain proper gas exchange in the airways. Compared to the nasal cavity, the oral cavity is closer to airway structures such as the trachea and bronchi, making access easier and the procedure less technically challenging. Therefore, medical personnel typically insert a catheter through the mouth into the respiratory tract to remove secretions or debris. Subsequently, the catheter is guided into the nasal cavity to perform secondary cleaning of areas such as the sinuses and inferior turbinates.

This treatment protocol effectively reduces the risk of complications such as atelectasis, aspiration pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Patients are advised to seek medical evaluation and undergo standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician.