Severe upper airway obstruction in a preterm infant with nasal continuous positive airway pressure

The high airflow in non-invasive pressure ventilation, such as nasal cannulas, and the more frequent suctioning can potentially irritate the nasal mucosa, which can present as increased nasal secretion and increased rate of visible blood in nasal secretions, and finally result in upper airway obstruction. 2 , 3 In conclusion, careful examination and care of the nasal cavities should therefore be routinely performed in all cases of preterm infants on nasal CPAP.