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Chloroethane: Difference between revisions
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One major risk of chloroethane is the involuntary activation of airway reflexes, including [[laryngospasm]] (closure of the vocal cords), or [[bronchospasm]] (closure of the lower airways), resulting in partial or complete blockage of airflow to and from the lungs. Normally, these reflexes are protective and are triggered to prevent liquids or solids from entering the lungs. However, when unconsciousness is caused by an anesthetic agent, these reflexes can activate inappropriately even when no triggering stimulation was present, and may not relax once activated. | One major risk of chloroethane is the involuntary activation of airway reflexes, including [[laryngospasm]] (closure of the vocal cords), or [[bronchospasm]] (closure of the lower airways), resulting in partial or complete blockage of airflow to and from the lungs. Normally, these reflexes are protective and are triggered to prevent liquids or solids from entering the lungs. However, when unconsciousness is caused by an anesthetic agent, these reflexes can activate inappropriately even when no triggering stimulation was present, and may not relax once activated. | ||
If laryngospasm occurs, it can sometimes be treated with [[Larson's maneuver]] (using fingers to apply firm inward pressure to the soft tissue directly underneath the ear lobe on both sides of the head). If a bag-valve-mask is present, positive pressure with a high inspiratory pressure may also resolve the episode. However, some cases of laryngospasm will not resolve until death | If laryngospasm occurs, it can sometimes be treated with [[Larson's maneuver]] (using fingers to apply firm inward pressure to the soft tissue directly underneath the ear lobe on both sides of the head). If a bag-valve-mask is present, positive pressure with a high inspiratory pressure may also resolve the episode. However, '''<u>some cases of laryngospasm will not resolve until death occurs</u>''' and can only be managed by trained experts with access to specialized medications and equipment. | ||
=== Cardiac arrest === | === Cardiac arrest === | ||