Living with a Tracheostomy

It is not unusual to have a variety of emotions before surgery, while in the hospital or even after returning home with a trach tube. These are normal reactions. Surgery may be a different experience physically and emotionally. It may take time to adjust to such a physical change. Often when people go through a difficult experience like this, it helps to talk about your feelings and encourage your family to do the same.
Presented by Cayuga Community College

Nursing Students

CCC Nursing Students

Kathryn Love Meghan Meeks Monica Heater

What is a tracheostomy?
An opening is made into the trachea, or windpipe to help you breathe. This opening is called a stoma. A tube is placed into the opening. The trach tube allows you to breathe in air directly into your windpipe instead of through yours mouth and nose.

How Do I care for my Trach?

Clean the Trach tube- Trach tube should be cleaned daily or as needed. Cleaning should be performed as sterile as possible in the home. Clean the skin around the outer cannula (stoma) at least once a day or as often as you need to keep it clean and dry. Change trach ties at least every second or third day and more often if it becomes soiled. A helper is suggested because the trach may be coughed out during the changing of ties. Keep old ties on until new tie is placed! Clearing secretions- Suctioning of the trachea removes secretions from the airway when you cannot cough them up. Suctioning should only be done when needed to make breathing easier. The need to suction is different from person to person.

Swallowing
Swallowing food and liquids may be troublesome for people with tracheostomies. Some tips to prevent problems with swallowing are: Sit upright to eat Eat slowly Chew your food well Focus on your swallowing Take small bites Tilt your chin down and in as you swallow

Why do I need a tracheostomy tube?

To provide an airway for breathing To provide a connection to a ventilator (respirator) To remove saliva/secretions from the lungs To prevent saliva/secretions from entering lungs

When to call the Doctor

Call your doctor if the following problems occur:

Parts of a Tracheostomy: 1. Outer cannula- fits into trachea &

trach from falling out maintains opening during healing

2. Trach plat- attaches to ties/prevents 3. Inner Cannula- locks into outer cannula,
can be removed and cleaned frequently

4. Obturator or guide- used only when

entire trach tube is changed, acts as a guide to place outer cannula

Choking and coughing while eating or drinking Cough, fever or shortness of breath Food particles found in secretions from tracheostomy Losing weight without trying or poor weight gain Lungs sound more congested Swallowing problems are getting worse