Tracheostomy suctioning is a procedure that clears mucus from your trach tube when coughing doesn’t work. A tracheostomy tube fits through and keeps the surgically made hole (stoma) in your windpipe (trachea) open. This allows for alternative breathing when you can’t breathe naturally. People with tracheostomies typically have secretions or mucus. A strong cough is the best way to clear these secretions, but there may be times when you can’t get rid of mucus no matter how hard you try. Trach suctioning can help in these instances. Healthcare providers can do tracheal suctioning in a hospital or office setting. But they can also teach you how to suction your trach (or your child’s trach) at home. This is important in helping to open the tube so you can breathe effectively.
Why do you suction a tracheostomy tube? Tracheostomy suctioning removes thick mucus and secretions from your trachea (windpipe) and lower airway that you can’t clear by coughing. When you have a tracheostomy — or you’re caring for somebody with one — it’s important to look for the following signs that indicate a trach needs suctioning: A moist cough. Inability to clear secretions from your throat. Difficulty breathing or feeling like you can’t get enough air. Visible mucus (secretions or bubbles at the trach opening). Rattling sounds. Flaring nostrils. Gasping or fast breathing. A whistling noise coming from the trach tube. Sinking in of your chest (retractions). A bluish color around your mouth (cyanosis ). Clammy skin. Irritability or restlessness. Any time you think that there’s a blockage in the trach tube.
Source:
(1) Tracheostomy Suctioning: Purpose, Steps & Care - Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/tracheostomy....
(2) Living with a Tracheostomy Tube and Stoma - Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-th....
(3) Tracheal Suctioning | Tracheostomy Education. https://tracheostomyeducation.com/suctioning/.
Yes. Suctioning trach tubes keeps secretions from thickening. Allows better oxygenation of the patient. Oral care and suction prevents the pt from developing pneumonia and other infections. Also the stress that the pt feels as the trach is blocked
