Everyday Care Tips for Better Tracheostomy Management

Adjusting to life with a tracheostomy isn’t straightforward. You may think it involves following a simple set of medical instructions, yet that is seldom the case. Instructions do help technically since you need some guidance to manage the trach. However, there are lots of other daily habits you can invest in that make a huge difference in your comfort. 

Think of trach care not just as caring for your equipment and stoma (the hole through the neck and windpipe or trachea) but also a set of routines that help you breathe, move freely, and feel independent. 

With a few tips and the right supplies managing your tracheostomy can become a tiny part of your day rather than something overwhelming. 

1. Clean Hands Can Prevent Infection

This is the easiest step, yet it is the most important one too. Wash your hands before and after touching the trach tube, changing dressings, suctioning, or handling any cannulas. Scrub between your fingers and go over your hands a couple of times to ensure they are clean.

You must also keep your equipment squeaky clean. Make sterile or clean gauze, cotton-tipped applicators, and a damp cloth a part of your daily routine. You can make use of sterile saline or water to gently clean around the stoma (the opening on your neck). If you notice any crusty secretions you can also use diluted hydrogen peroxide (half peroxide, half sterile water) on the site and then rinse with saline.

If you notice redness, swelling, warmth, or foul odor appearing around the skin it might be a sign of infection. Contact your healthcare provider immediately!

2. Change Tracheostomy Dressing and Ties Regularly 

Your stoma site should be cared for daily. You can make use of clean gauze to gently pat dry the area and remove any moisture. This helps the skin stay strong and prevents breakdown over time. If your trach ties (the straps that secure the tube) get dirty, replace them as soon as possible. Fabric ties may get dirty while plastic ones can often be cleaned. 

If you are reapplying ties for yourself make sure they are secure but not too tight. You should be able to slip about two fingers comfortably between the tie and your neck. When a tie is too tight it can cause discomfort or tissue damage. If it is too loose, the tube might shift. 

3. Take Care of the Inner Cannula 

Many tracheostomy tubes have an inner cannula, and this part needs special attention too. Simply put, the inner cannula is a liner that fits inside the main tube. It needs to be kept as clean as possible so that secretions don’t build up and block the airway. 

For instance, if you are using a Shiley disposable inner cannula, it is actually designed to be replaced when soiled or blocked. If you hate cleaning, this is the best option as there is no cleaning required. Just swap in a fresh one. 

If you do invest in a reusable cannula instead, rinse it at least once daily (or follow the instructions as stated). You can use a mild cleaning solution for this like diluted hydrogen peroxide which should ideally be followed up with a rinse in sterile saline or water. Don’t forget to dry completely before reinserting. 

4. Keeping the Air Moisturized

Since your nose and mouth may no longer effectively humidify the air you breathe your trach airway can dry out. Consequently, secretions can also dry up which increases the risk of mucus plugging. 

To avoid that, consider adding a humidifier to your room and using it throughout the night. You can also try using a piece of moistened gauze and draping it over the external opening of your trach tube. Just make sure it isn’t dripping wet!

5. Suction Wisely

Suctioning is going to be a big part of your daily routine since it helps clear mucus and your airway for breathing. But more isn’t always better. Too much suctioning can irritate your airway. 

When needed, here are some steps you can follow; 

• Wash your hands. 
• Insert the catheter gently, without forcing. 
• Suction for no longer than 10 seconds at a time. 
• Rotate the catheter slowly as you withdraw. 
• Flush the catheter with sterile water or saline to clear it. 

6. Be Careful Around Water

You can’t fully submerge yourself in a bath or swim with a trach. Water can sneak into the stoma and the airway. 

When you shower, try to shield the opening with a tracheostomy shower shield, or keep your head tilted and direct the water away from your neck. 

Also, avoid sprays near your trach. Inhaling particles into your airway isn’t a risk you want to take!

To Sum It Up

Always be prepared! If there is one thing you should take away from this article it’s that you should always have backup supplies. This means an inner cannula (even if it is a disposable one), an extra trach tube (if recommended by your provider), and clean trach ties. These backups can be lifesavers if something clogs, breaks, or just wears out! 

You can also keep a checklist or a dedicated space in your home for your trach care supplies. The neater and more organized everything is the easier your routine will feel!