[Practical-clinical aspects in primary clearing of the upper respiratory tract in newborn (author's transl)].

There are contradictory descriptions in the literature about the methods as well as the sequence of clearing the upper respiratory tract of new-born babies. In order to clarify this problem anatomical, physiological and pathophysiological aspects of the fetal and neonatal respiratory system are described. Intrauterine asphyxia can lead to aspiration of amniotic fluid (containing meconium, squamous epithelium, lanugo hair). During delivery the fetal airway is cleared by compression of the thorax. Through suction of the mouth, throat and nose--in exactly this defined sequence--before birth of the thorax, aspiration of potentially damaging material can be prevented. The particular problem associated with meconium-steined amniotic fluid is described.