Tracheostomy care

A tracheostomy is a surgical opening through the neck into the windpipe (trachea). The opening is also called a stoma. A tracheostomy helps you breathe if you have a lung or nerve problem, an infection, or trouble handling secretions.

Taking good care of a tracheostomy is very important. It can prevent infections and help keep you breathing easily.

General tips

Your doctor or nurse will give you instructions about how to take care of your child's tracheostomy, or "trach" (say "trayk"). This will include how to suction your child's trach, and how to clean the opening in the neck (stoma). Be sure to follow all of these instructions closely.

• Always have your emergency supplies ready and available wherever your child is.
• Always wash your hands before and after caring for your child's tracheostomy.
• Keep the air in your home moist with a cool-mist humidifier. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.
• Have your child eat while sitting up. If any food gets into the tube, suction it out right away.
• Dress your child in clothes that do not cover the trach and are loose around the neck.
• Bathe your child sitting up in shallow water. Avoid getting water into the tracheostomy. An older child can shower with their back to the water.
• Replace the ties if they get wet or damaged. If they are not damaged, they can be washed and dried and used again.
• Your child's trach has two parts: the outer cannula and the obturator, which is used to help insert the trach tube. Do not remove the outer cannula.

Suctioning

Suctioning is needed if your child can't clear mucus and secretions from their trach tube by coughing. Suction your child's trach as you have been trained by your health care team.

• It is very important to measure and insert the suction catheter as you have been trained by your health care team every time you suction.
• Suction the trach as often as your doctor recommends or as needed.

Trach care

Trach care includes cleaning and drying the stoma, checking the skin and neck, keeping the tube open and safe, and making sure the ties are clean and fit well. Care for your child's trach as you have been trained by your health care team. Perform the trach care two times a day or more often, if needed.