A tracheostomy is a surgically created hole in the windpipe (trachea) that provides an alternative airway for breathing. Discharging a patient with a "trach tube" requires the family to arrange specialized clinical care at home.
The Risks of Improper Care
The airway bypasses the nose and mouth, which normally filter and humidify the air we breathe. This leaves the lungs highly susceptible to severe infections (like pneumonia) and blockages from dried mucus.
Professional Tracheostomy Management
Caring for a trach tube is not a job for an untrained family member. It requires:
1. Frequent Suctioning: To remove mucus and keep the airway clear.
2. Inner Cannula Cleaning: The inner tube must be removed, sterilized, and replaced daily.
3. Stoma Care: The skin around the surgical hole must be cleaned with sterile saline to prevent infection and skin breakdown.
Maasewa Healthcare provides ICU-trained nurses who are experts in airway management, ensuring your loved one breathes safely and comfortably at home.
