A tracheostomy is a surgical opening in the throat that helps a person breathe. A tracheostomy tube is inserted into the windpipe to allow air to flow from the throat opening into the lungs. A tracheostomy might be necessary because of a blockage in the mouth or throat, a lung condition or an injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Caring for a child's tracheostomy can be time-consuming, but proper care will help prevent infections and other complications.
Step 1
Wash your hands with a mild hand soap and warm water, then dry them and put on a pair of latex medical gloves.
Step 2
Plug in the portable suction pump. Remove a sterile suction catheter from its package and affix it to the pump hose. Coat the tip of the catheter with water-soluble lubricant.
Step 3
Insert the tip of the suction catheter into the tracheostomy tube. Using intermittent suction, use the pump to remove phlegm and other particles from the inside of the tracheostomy tube. Suction should not take more than 15 seconds, according to the Tracheostomy website.
Step 4
Turn the suction catheter slowly while removing it from the tracheostomy tube.
Step 5
Discard the gauze surrounding your child's tracheostomy tube. Look for signs of redness, swelling or drainage around the tracheostomy tube.
Step 6
Mix a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Dip the end of a cotton swab in this solution and cleanse the area around your child's tracheostomy tube. Dampen a soft cloth with water and dab it around the tube to rinse the peroxide from your child's skin. Dry with a clean cloth.
Step 7
Remove the tube tie from both sides of the tracheotomy tube neckplate. Thread a clean tie through one side of the faceplate. Wrap the tie around the back of your child's neck and thread it through the opposite side of the faceplate.
Step 8
Cut a slit in the center of a gauze pad. Slip it behind the faceplate so it surrounds the tracheostomy tube.
Tips and Warnings
- Your child will not be able to communicate orally during suctioning. Teach your child to use blinking or other cues to signal distress or pain during this process.
- Redness, swelling, discharge or other abnormalities around the tracheotomy tube may be signs of infection. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs while caring for your child's tracheostomy.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Mild hand soap
- Latex medical gloves
- Portable suction pump
- Sterile suction catheter
- Water-soluble lubricant
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Cotton swabs
- Soft cloth
- Tracheostomy tube tie
- Sterile scissors
- Gauze pad
