Tracheostomy

Causes of tracheostomy

Doctors may do a tracheostomy for different reasons, such as:

• A blocked airway from injury, swelling, or a tumor
• Long-term use of a breathing machine (ventilator)
• Severe breathing problems from lung disease or other conditions
• Trouble clearing mucus or secretions from the throat
• Certain surgeries on the head or neck

Risk factors for tracheostomy

You might be more likely to need a tracheostomy if you:

• Have severe lung disease or breathing problems
• Have a tumor, injury, or infection in your throat or neck
• Need a ventilator for many days or weeks
• Have trouble coughing or clearing your airway
• Need surgery that affects your airway

Symptoms that may lead to tracheostomy

Some signs that someone might need a tracheostomy include:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Noisy or blocked airflow through the nose or mouth
• Needing a machine to help with breathing
• Weak cough or too much mucus in the throat
• Swelling or injury to the face, neck, or throat

Diagnosing the need for tracheostomy

Doctors will decide if a tracheostomy is needed based on:

• Breathing tests (like oxygen levels and lung function)
• Imaging (X-rays, CT scans) to check for blockages or damage
• A physical exam and medical history
• How long a person has needed breathing support

Treatment of tracheostomy

The surgery is usually done in a hospital, often in an operating room or ICU:

• A small cut is made in the neck and a breathing tube is inserted into the trachea
• The tube connects to a ventilator or lets the person breathe more easily
• After surgery, the area needs daily cleaning to prevent infection
• Some people need the tube short-term; others may need it for life
• Over time, the tube can sometimes be removed if the person gets better