Key takeaways
- Never leave a new tracheostomy patient without a trained person nearby.
- Keep a spare tube, one size smaller tube, suction machine and oxygen ready at all times.
- Humidify the air — dry secretions can block the tube.
- Breathing difficulty, blue lips or a dislodged tube is an emergency.
What is a tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy is an opening made in the front of the neck into the windpipe, with a tube placed to help breathing. It is used for patients who need long-term ventilator support, have difficulty clearing secretions, or have an obstructed upper airway. Many patients can be cared for safely at home once stable.
Suctioning
Suctioning removes mucus that the patient cannot cough out. Signs that suction is needed include noisy or bubbly breathing, visible secretions, restlessness and falling oxygen levels.
- Wash hands and wear clean gloves.
- Give extra oxygen beforehand if prescribed.
- Insert the suction catheter only to the depth taught by the nurse — usually the length of the tube.
- Apply suction while withdrawing, for no more than 10–15 seconds at a time.
- Allow the patient to rest and breathe between passes.
Cleaning the tube and stoma
If the tube has an inner cannula, remove and clean it as often as advised — usually at least twice a day — or replace disposable ones. Clean the skin around the stoma daily with sterile saline, dry it gently and place a fresh slit dressing. Look for redness, swelling, bleeding or bad-smelling discharge.
Tracheostomy ties should be changed when soiled, ideally by two people — one holding the tube steady. One finger should fit between the tie and the neck.
Humidification and comfort
Air entering through a tracheostomy bypasses the nose, which normally warms and moistens it. Use a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) or humidifier as prescribed. This is especially important in Jodhpur’s dry climate, where secretions thicken quickly.
Emergency kit — keep it by the bed
- Spare tracheostomy tube of the same size and one size smaller.
- Working suction machine with catheters (and a backup power source).
- Oxygen supply and the correct connector.
- Ambu bag, scissors, spare ties, gloves, saline and lubricant.
- Emergency phone numbers clearly displayed.
Danger signs
Call for urgent help (108 / 112) if the patient has severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, the tube comes out and cannot be replaced, heavy bleeding from the stoma, or suction does not clear a blockage.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tracheostomy patient be cared for at home?
Yes, once the patient is stable and the family has the equipment and training. Many families also arrange an ICU-experienced nurse, particularly for ventilator patients.
How often should a tracheostomy be suctioned?
Only when needed — based on noisy breathing, visible secretions or falling oxygen levels — rather than on a fixed schedule.
Who changes a tracheostomy tube at home?
Routine tube changes are usually done by a trained doctor or experienced nurse, at intervals advised by the ENT or ICU team.
This guide is general information for families, not medical advice. Always follow your treating doctor’s instructions. In an emergency call 108 / 112.