What is a tracheostomy (trach) tube?
A tracheostomy tube is a plastic tube placed into the trachea to provide an alternate route for breathing. Typically when we breathe, we pull air into our nose. The nose serves to warm, humidify (add moisture to) and filter the air. This route needs to be bypassed for different reasons. Tracheostomy tubes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Your doctor will determine which size and type is best for your child. Tracheostomies are placed by Otolaryngologists (ENT surgeons). It requires being admitted to the hospital, administration of general anesthesia and then surgical placement of the tube through an incision into the trachea. The ENT doctor needs to evaluate your child in their office prior to the surgery and may perform a bronchoscopy (examination of the airway) prior to consideration of the surgery. Why does my child need a tracheostomy tube? There are many different reasons why children and adults need trach’s. Some of the more common reasons include: the need for mechanical ve
