In cases wherein there is a severe lung disorder, neurological problem as well as infection which makes it hard for patients to breathe the most common solution is to perform a tracheostomy. Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure performed to keep the windpipe open in order to have ample supply of air for tracheostomy patients. During the course of the procedure the doctor creates a small opening called a stoma through the skin on the throat in which a breathing tube is inserted directly into trachea. The tube which is called a trach has three parts and these are as follows: obturator which is used to place the trach into the windpipe. However, when this part is removed an outer tube remains. This outer tube has a plastic trach plate that is placed against the skin on the neck and is used to keep the trach in position. And aside from that, there is also an inner tube that fits the inside the outer tube and then locks it into place. This trach tube is sometimes sewn into the skin just around the stoma or it can be held in place by means of trach ties.
In addition, there are some trach tubes that have inflatable cuff located near the outer end in order to keep the trach tubes from protruding out. Another purpose of this cuff is to prevent the air from leaking around the trach tube. It is also important to clean daily the inner tube since there are times when this tube becomes clogged by mucus and such case calls to have the mucus suctioned out to clear the inner tube. A dirty tube may lead to infection and if ever the trach clogs up tracheostomy patients may find it impossible to breathe.
Here are simple ways on how to clean those tracheostomy apparatus/gadgets:
clean the inner tube at least once a day
use a small bowl, a small brush, liquid soap, a gauze pad and scissors
make use of a mirror to guide you in finding the right position wherein you can see your face and most importantly your throat
always remember to wash your hands with soap and water before touching the trach
carefully unlock the inner tube and remove it by pulling it gently out and down
gently and carefully put a wet inner tube inside the outer tube and then again carefully lock the inner tube in place.
Clean the dirty tube by means of soaking it in a liquid soap mixed with water. Afterwards gently scrub it using a small brush. However, if the tube is extremely dirty it is advisable to soak it in 3% hydrogen peroxide and then brush it.
Rinse the tube thoroughly and preferably in a running water and then make sure that the soap as well as the hydrogen peroxide has been completely rinsed off the tube.
And lastly, dont forget to see your doctor if ever you experience shortness of breathing or call 911 for emergency cases.
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