Tracheostomies

Q. Why does a person need a tracheostomy?

A tracheostomy may be needed:

• when a person can't breathe adequately (eg. due to upper airway obstruction or requires prolonged ventilation)
• to allow the secretions (e.g. saliva, phlegm) to be cleared i.e. suctioned if s/he is unable to clear secretions themselves (to protect airway)

Q. How long will a person need a tracheostomy?

The length of time that a tracheostomy is needed varies from one person to another. The tracheostomy tube is removed when the person can satisfactory breathe on his/her own and manage his/her own secretions e.g. saliva and phlegm. The size or type of tracheostomy tube may be changed before it is finally removed.

Q. Why can't the person talk when they have a tracheostomy tube opening?

• when a tracheostomy tube is in place the air is directed out through the neck tracheostomy tube opening and doesn't go through the vocal cords. To be able to talk the air needs to move up through the vocal cords to make them vibrate and produce sounds.
• after the tracheostomy tube comes out s/he may still have some difficulty talking due to either swelling, damaged vocal chords or due to the brain injury.

Last modified: Thursday, 20 April 2006