Tracheostomy Care

What is a tracheostomy?

A tracheostomy can be described as an opening (made through an incision) into the neck to the trachea (windpipe). The tracheostomy allows airflow and assists in breathing.

The tracheostomy procedure can be performed in an emergency, at the patient’s bedside, or operating room. The anesthesia (pain alleviation medication) could be utilized before the procedure. The tracheostomy can be permanent or temporary due to the individual’s medical condition.

Is a tracheostomy a possibility?

A tracheostomy can be done in the following circumstances:

Obstruction to the throat or mouth

Breathing difficulties due to swelling (swelling) injuries or other pulmonary (lung) conditions

Airway reconstruction after laryngeal or tracheal surgery

Protection of the airway from food or secretions due to difficulties swallowing

Protection of the airway after neck and head surgery

Long-term requirement support for ventilation (breathing machine) to provide support

What is a tracheostomy tube?

A Tracheostomy (trach) tube can be describe as a tiny tube inserted into the tracheostomy to ensure that your stoma (opening) is free of obstruction.

Tracheostomy tubes are offer in various sizes and materials, including semi-flexible plastic or rigid plastic and metal. They are disposable or reusable. They could have an internal cannula, which is recyclable or disposable. The tracheostomy tube might be without or with an elongated Cuff.

Cuffed trach tubes are usually utilized for patients with difficulty swallowing or being treate with mechanical ventilators. Trach tubes that are not cuff are utilize to keep the patient’s airway open if a ventilator isn’t required. The selection of a tube will depend on your medical condition, neck shape, size as well as the purpose that the tube serves.

All trach tubes come with the outer cannula (main shaft) and the neck plate (flange). The flange is place on your neck, over your opening of the stoma (opening). The holes on the sides of the neck plate enable the user to place Trach Tube ties that secure the trach tube.

What should I be aware of after returning home from a Tracheostomy?

* As soon as you have the tracheostomy procedure, you’ll write to others until your doctor gives you instructions for communication methods.

* Do not remove the cannula’s outer cover unless your doctor has directed you to remove it.

Use tracheostomy covers to shield your airway from external things (such as dust, cold air, etc.) Please consult your physician for more details about covers for tracheostomy and where to purchase them.

When should I contact my doctor?

Speak to your physician or healthcare provider immediately:

* If you experience an abnormal heart rate.

* If you experience more sensations of pain or uncomfortableness.

Note it is normal to feel discomfort and pain for around one week following the tracheostomy surgery.

* If you experience breathing difficulties and are not being relieve by your usual method of eliminating the secretions.

* When the secretions are thick, and crusts form or mucus plugs develop. Your doctor might suggest the increase of fluids or humidification with a cool mist.

* If you’re experiencing other issues or concerns.

What can I do to maintain my tube for tracheostomy?

The nurse will show you how to take care of your tracheostomy tube before departure properly. We must perform regular tracheostomy maintenance at least every day following your discharge from the hospital.

1. Make sure you have the following materials:

Two non-sterile gloves

A clean basin (or sink)

Hydrogen peroxide

Clean 4 x 4 fine mesh gauze pads

Normal tap or saline water (Use distillate water if you have a septic tank or healthy water)

Swabs with clean cotton tips

Cleaning pipe cleaners or small brushes

Clean washcloth

Clean towel

Trach tube tie-ups

Clean scissors

1. Make sure you wash your hands well with detergent and soap.

2. Sit or stand in a comfortable place the mirror (in the bathroom, the sink is an ideal location to take care of your tube).

3. Put on your gloves.

4. Inject suction into the trach tube. (Your medical professional and Chughtai lab report will provide additional information on the suctioning process).

5. If the tube you use is fitt with an inner cannula, take it out. (If the tube doesn’t have an internal cannula go on to the next step.)

6. The cannula’s interior is place over the basin, then add the hydrogen peroxide. Use the hydrogen peroxide you require to wash the cannula inside wholly.

7. Clean the inside of the cannula using the help of pipe cleaners or a tiny brush.

8. Rinse the cannula thoroughly with normal saline or tap water or distillate water (if you have the option of a septic tank or healthy water).

9. Dry the inside and the outside of the cannula’s inner part completely using the clean 4 x 4 small mesh gauze pad.

10. Insert the cannula back into its place and lock it into place.

11. Clean the gauze dressing around your neck, then discard it.

12. Check the area around the stoma’s skin for tenderness, redness, complex drainage, or a foul odor. If you observe any of these symptoms, you should contact your physician or nurse after you have completed your routine treatment.

13. Soak the swabs with cotton tips in a solution containing 50% hydrogen peroxide and half water. Use the swabs to cleanse the exposed areas of the cannula’s exterior and the skin surrounding the stoma.

14. The washcloth should be wet with normal saline, tap water, or distillate water. The washcloth is use to remove the hydrogen peroxide and cleanse the skin.

15. Dry the outer cannula and the skin surrounding the stoma using a dry towel.

16. Replace the trach tube ties.

17. Put a fine mesh gauze underneath the tracheostomy tie and a neck plate by folding it inwards or cutting a slit.

*Note: Some brands ‘ mesh gauze is cut in advance.

Necessary: Don’t use gauze 4×4 or other toppers as they contain cotton fibers, which can clog your airways. *

18. Clean your gloves, then discard them.

19. Cleanse your hands using soap and warm water.

20. Wash the basin and brush using detergent and hot water. Dry them, and then put them aside.

21. Place the washcloth and towel in the washing machine.

22. Cleanse your hands with soap and warm water.