Why is a tracheostomy necessary?
There are many reasons why a tracheostomy is needed. The most common reason is to relieve severe breathing difficulties due to an obstruction or narrowing in the upper airway. Your child’s doctor can explain why a tracheostomy is necessary for your child and for how long it may be needed. Other reasons for a tracheostomy may include: • your child needs to be connected to a machine (ventilator) which helps with their breathing • they may need to have frequent suctioning of mucous (secretions) from their airway if they can’t swallow their saliva properly and this interferes with their breathing.
