After undergoing a tracheostomy, proper care at home is crucial for your recovery and well-being. This guide provides detailed instructions on Tracheostomy Care to help you manage your breathing tube effectively and confidently.
It’s normal to observe a small amount of mucus around your tracheostomy tube. The skin around the opening in your neck should appear pink and feel painless. Maintaining a clear tube, free from thick mucus, is essential. Always have a spare tracheostomy tube readily available in case the one in place becomes blocked. If a blockage occurs, promptly replace the tube with the new one. Once the replacement is secure, clean the obstructed tube and retain it as your emergency spare.
When coughing, ensure you have a tissue or cloth ready to catch any mucus expelled from the tube. Remember, your nose no longer naturally moisturizes the air you breathe. It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider the best methods to humidify the air you inhale and prevent mucus plugs from forming in your tube.
Common methods for keeping the air you breathe moist include:
- Moist Gauze or Cloth: Placing a damp gauze pad or cloth over the opening of your tracheostomy tube can help humidify inhaled air. Ensure the gauze remains consistently moist.
- Home Humidifier: Utilizing a humidifier in your home, particularly when heating systems are in use and the air is dry, is highly recommended.
For loosening thick mucus plugs, a few drops of sterile saline solution can be beneficial. Instill a few drops into your tracheostomy tube and windpipe, then take a deep breath followed by a strong cough to help expel the loosened mucus.
When venturing outdoors, protect your tracheostomy opening with a cloth or a specialized tracheostomy cover. These covers serve to shield the opening and can also help keep your clothing clean from mucus secretions and minimize breathing sounds.
It is critical to prevent water, food particles, powders, or dust from entering your tracheostomy. When showering, use a tracheostomy cover to protect the opening from water. Swimming is not permitted with a tracheostomy.
To speak, you will need to temporarily block the opening with your finger, a cap, or a speaking valve. In some instances, your healthcare provider may recommend capping the tube. Capping may enable you to speak more normally and breathe through your nose and mouth again.
