What is a tracheostomy?
The basics of a tracheostomy
A tracheotomy is a procedure which consists of creating an opening in the neck for direct access to the windpipe (trachea).
What is a Tracheostomy?
The basics to get started
A tracheotomy is a procedure which consists of creating an opening in the neck for direct access to the windpipe (trachea). The opening is called a tracheostomy or sometimes a tracheostoma. There are many potential reasons for the purpose of a tracheostomy, including easier breathing and secretion management. A tracheostomy can be either temporary, 2-4 weeks, or more long-term, months – years, or in some cases permanent, depending on the needs and reason for having it.
A TRACHEOSTOMY MAY BE NEEDED IF SOMEONE:
• Has an obstruction in their upper airway (nose, mouth or throat).
• Has difficulty swallowing.
• Has trouble breathing due to injury, swelling or lung conditions.
• Undergoes airway reconstruction following surgery on their larynx (voice box) or pharynx (throat).
• Needs mechanical ventilation (breathing machine).
A tracheostomy tube is inserted into the tracheostoma to keep it open. As a result of the tracheostomy, you will breathe through a tracheostomy tube while breathing through your nose and mouth will either be reduced or completely bypassed.
Lung health
Impact on lung health
Breathing through a tracheostoma means breathing in dry, cold and unfiltered air. This will irritate the lining of the airways and lungs, and may result in more coughing, mucus production, and a greater risk for infection.
Using a Heat & Moisture Exchanger (HME) humidifies and moisturizes the air you inhale, and so may help with the function of both your airways and lungs.
Speaking with a tracheostomy
Impact on speech
Since exhaled air will no longer move through your vocal cords your voice will be affected. The type of tracheostomy tube you have, as well as the reason for your tracheostomy, will dictate how speaking will be affected. Some people may be able to speak after a tracheostomy using equipment and others may not; however, there are options available to help you communicate again – your healthcare professional will work with you to find the best option for you.
Closing the tracheostoma
If the tracheostomy is no longer necessary, the healthcare provider can remove the tracheostomy tube. The hole often closes on its own. But if it doesn’t, a surgeon will close it up.
Pediatric
Respiratory conditions
Tracheostomized children have a high risk of respiratory infections. This is due to the naturally protective oral and nasal passages being bypassed, allowing microorganisms into the lower airways more easily.
Learn more about pediatrics
Meet our community
Users share their stories about living with a neck stoma
Freevent XtraCare brochure
Combining an HME with a filter, provides you more than humidification
Freevent XtraCare combines an HME with a highly effective electrostatic filter, and provides protection against airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria, with a filtration efficiency of more than 99%*.
download brochureTracheostomy Products
Products for your need
We provide different products for different situations. Learn more about Freevent® XtraCare™ for good humidification and effective filtration. Or Freevent® DualCare™ where a speaking valve is combined with the benefits of an HME
For tracheostomized children we have Freevent® XtraCare™ Mini that provides effective filtration along with good humidification for daily protection.
Tracheostomy products
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