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In This Section The upper airway warms, cleans and moistens the air we breathe. The trach tube bypasses these mechanisms, so that the air moving through the tube is cooler, dryer and not as clean. In response to these changes, the body produces more mucus. Suctioning clears mucus from the tracheostomy tube and is essential for proper breathing. Also, secretions left in the tube could become contaminated and a chest infection could develop. Avoid suctioning too frequently as this could lead to more secretion buildup. Removing mucus from trach tube without suctioning
When to suctionSuctioning is important to prevent a mucus plug from blocking the tube and stopping the patient's breathing. Suctioning should be considered
The secretions should be white or clear. If they start to change color, (e.g. yellow, brown or green) this may be a sign of infection. If the changed color persists for more than three days or if it is difficult to keep the tracheostomy tube intact, call your surgeon's office. If there is blood in the secretions (it may look more pink than red), you should initially increase humidity and suction more gently. A Swedish or artificial nose (HME), which is a cap that can be attached to the tracheostomy tube, may help to maintain humidity. The cap contains a filter to prevent particles from entering the airway and maintains the patient's own humidity. Putting the patient in the bathroom with the door closed and shower on will increase the humidity immediately. If the patient coughs up or has bright red blood mucus suctioned, or if the patient develops a fever, call your surgeon's office immediately. How to suctionEquipment
Whether you're crossing the country or the globe, we make it easy to access world-class care at Johns Hopkins. What are the 2 types of suctioning?Nasal suction (suctioning in the nose) Oral suction (suctioning the mouth)
What is Orotracheal suctioning?The trachea is accessed by insertion of a suction catheter either via the nasal passage and pharynx (nasotracheal suction) or via the oral cavity and pharynx (orotracheal suction) using an airway adjunct. Nasotracheal suction may be undertaken directly via the nostril without an airway adjunct.
What is suction in mouth?Oral suctioning is done to clear secretions (mucus) from the mouth if a child is unable to clear it on their own through coughing or blowing their nose. A hard-plastic tip with a handle called a Yankauer is usually used to suction secretions in the mouth.
When is oropharyngeal suctioning done?Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal suctioning is performed to remove mucus or saliva from the back of the throat when a child cannot cough or swallow.
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