Hi there! I'm Dr. Smith, a respiratory therapist with over 15 years of experience working with patients who have tracheostomies. A tracheostomy, or "trach" as it's often called, is a surgical procedure that creates an airway in your neck.

Let's talk about what that means and why someone might need one.

When we breathe, air enters our bodies through our nose and mouth, travels down the windpipe (also called the trachea), and enters our lungs. A tracheostomy bypasses the nose and mouth, creating a direct opening into the trachea through the neck. This opening is called a stoma. A small tube, called a tracheostomy tube, is usually placed into the stoma to keep it open and allow air to flow in and out of the lungs.

Why would someone need a tracheostomy?

There are several reasons why someone might need a tracheostomy. Some common reasons include:

* Airway obstruction: A tracheostomy can be a life-saving procedure if the upper airway is blocked, making it difficult or impossible to breathe. This blockage could be due to a variety of reasons, such as:
* Trauma or injury: Accidents, burns, or other injuries can damage the structures in the neck, leading to swelling and obstruction.
* Tumors: Growths in the throat, voice box, or windpipe can also block the airway.
* Severe infection: Infections like epiglottitis (inflammation of the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the windpipe) can cause rapid swelling and closure of the airway.
* Respiratory failure: When the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the body or remove enough carbon dioxide, a tracheostomy can help with breathing. This could be due to:
* Chronic lung disease: Conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can make breathing difficult over time.
* Neuromuscular diseases: Diseases that affect the muscles involved in breathing, like muscular dystrophy or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), can weaken the respiratory muscles.
* Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can disrupt the nerve signals that control breathing.
* Long-term ventilation: Some people may need help breathing with a mechanical ventilator for an extended period. A tracheostomy provides a more stable and comfortable airway for long-term ventilation than a breathing tube inserted through the mouth.
* Secretion management: In some cases, individuals may have difficulty clearing secretions (mucus) from their airway effectively. This can be due to medical conditions, neurological issues, or other factors. A tracheostomy allows for easier suctioning of secretions, helping to keep the airway clear.

Living with a tracheostomy:

Having a tracheostomy is a significant change, and it requires adjustments to daily life. People with tracheostomies need to learn how to care for their stoma and tracheostomy tube, which includes cleaning the area around the tube, suctioning secretions, and changing the tube when necessary.

Speech can also be affected by a tracheostomy. However, there are ways to communicate, such as using a speaking valve or learning esophageal speech.

It's important to remember that having a tracheostomy doesn't mean a person can't live a full and active life. With proper care and support, individuals with tracheostomies can participate in many of the activities they enjoyed before.

If you or someone you know has a tracheostomy, it's essential to learn as much as you can about their care and to work closely with your healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome.
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The tube is inserted through a cut in the neck below the vocal cords. This allows air to enter the lungs. Breathing is then done through the tube, bypassing the mouth, nose, and throat. A tracheostomy is commonly referred to as a stoma. This is the name for the hole in the neck that the tube passes through.read more >>