The
upper airway warms, cleans and moistens the air we breath. The trach tube bypasses these mechanisms, so that the air via the tube is cooler, dryer and not as clean. In response to these changes, the body produces more mucus. The trach tube is suctioned to remove mucus from the tube and trachea to allow for easier breathing. Generally, the child should be suctioned every 4 to 6 hours and as needed. There may be large amounts of mucus with a new tracheostomy. This is a normal reaction to an irritant (the tube) in the airway. The heavy secretions should decrease in a few weeks. While a child is in the hospital, suctioning is done using sterile technique, however a clean technique is usually sufficient for most children at home. If your child has frequent respiratory infections, trach care and suctioning techniques may need to be addressed. Frequency of suctioning will vary from child to child and will increase with respiratory tract infections. Try to avoid suctioning too frequently. The more you suction, the more secretions can be produced.
Care Techniques
Sterile Technique: sterile catheters and sterile gloves
Modified Sterile Technique: sterile catheters and clean gloves
Clean Technique: clean catheter and clean hands
Care Techniques
Sterile Technique: sterile catheters and sterile gloves
Modified Sterile Technique: sterile catheters and clean gloves
Clean Technique: clean catheter and clean hands
