The American Cancer Society estimates there will be over 130,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. in 2022. This year, patients, providers and family members around the globe observed World Lung Cancer Day on August 1, which served as an opportunity to learn more about the disease and those affected as well as share resources to educate as many people as possible about risks, symptoms and treatment. 

The right portable suction machine is an integral part of patient care. Those charged with hospital purchasing are well aware of the role of wall-mounted and non-portable suction in patient wellness, but they may not consider the importance of portable suction. Before you make this essential purchase, here are five facts you need to know about portable suction.

A variety of obstacles can make suctioning an airway difficult during an emergency or before an intubation procedure — not the least of which is damage to the upper chest or trachea. 

The use of e-cigarettes, or vapes, has become extremely popular in the United States. Among the top reasons, many see vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes — and given what we know about the latter, there is certainly some accuracy to that. 

Many people, from infants and children to adults with certain medical conditions, rely on tracheostomies for breathing assistance. A tracheostomy — which involves placing a tube through the front of the neck into the windpipe (trachea) to provide an air passage — is necessary in many cases, but it can also come with various risks and airway management concerns for patients and their providers. 

Most of us know what it’s like to be enjoying a nice meal when suddenly, you take too large of a bite and your food goes down the wrong pipe, causing some coughing and possible throat irritation. If you’re lucky, the coughing and discomfort won’t last long — but sometimes, these incidents result in choking, which often calls for more serious medical attention. 

Roughly 1.5 million Americans are affected by neuromuscular disorders annually, and patients with neuromuscular disorders experience a host of airway complications resulting from muscle weakness. It’s important that EMS providers remain knowledgeable about different types of neuromuscular disorders and their symptoms so they’re able to provide the best treatment and airway management techniques for their patients. 

A number of things, including allergies, a minor cold, and the flu can all cause airway discomfort. And complications from these usually minor conditions can be dangerous, especially in vulnerable people such as elders and children. Also, serious conditions such as aspiration, partial obstructions, pneumonia, and other disorders may also trigger airway discomfort. As a first responder, it’s important to know when airway discomfort is a sign of a serious problem, or just a passing symptom.