Tracheostomy is a pipe that goes in the middle of the throat and helps people to breathe that cant breathe for themselves. People normally have one when they are elderly because younger people tend to not need them some do. A tracheostomy is usually done for one of three reasons is to bypass an obstructed upper airway to clean and remove secretions from the airway to more easily, and usually more safely, deliver oxygen to the lungs as well.
Tracheostomy is thought to provide several advantages over trans laryngeal intubation in patients undergoing PMV, such as the promotion of oral hygiene , improved patient comfort, decreased airway resistance, accelerated weaning from mechanical ventilation , the ability to transfer ventilator.
Tracheostomy is often performed for prolonged endotracheal intubation in critically ill patients. However, in the context of COVID-19, tracheostomy placement pathways have been altered due to the poor prognosis of intubated patients and the risk of transmission to providers through this highly aerosolizing procedure.
It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort for about a week after the tracheostomy procedure. If you have difficulty breathing and it is not relieved by your usual method of clearing secretions. When secretions become thick, if crusting occurs or mucus plugs are present.
Some people may need to be on a ventilator for a few hours, while others may require one, two, or three weeks. If a person needs to be on a ventilator for a longer period of time a tracheostomy may be required.
