The tracheostomy suctioning procedure is incredibly helpful for patients and loved ones who have a tracheostomy tube. The patients needs to have suctioning because they usually build up phlegm and other things in their tube that can obstruct it. The tracheostomy suctioning is used to remove the thick mucus and other secretions from inside the trachea and lower airways that the patient is not able to get rid of by coughing. The suctioning is usually done in the morning and also right before the patient goes to bed at night. The suctioning can also be done after any treatments. Sometimes suctioning a tracheostomy may be needed in certain situations, such as having moist cough or if the patient is unable to clear the secretions from the back of the throat. Sometimes the procedure is also done if the person is having any difficulty breathing or feels that he or she cannot get enough air through the tube.

In order to learn how to suction a tracheostomy, there are several supplies that you will need. It is always good to have everything prepared ahead of time so that do not find yourself hunting for something in the middle of the procedure. You will probably need some of the following items: A gallon of distilled water, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, a bottle of vinegar, some small cups, non-sterile gloves and some cotton-tipped swabs. You will also need the suctioning machine, a suction catheter, and a clean basin You should know that suctioning does not cause much discomfort. Normally the patient may feel short of breath, may cough, but this is normal.

Here is how to suction a tracheostomy. To begin, the patient should be positioned in a comfortable postion, with the head and neck in a straight line. You should take the suction catheter in the gloved hand and attach it properly. Try not to touch the sterile part of the tube since that is going into the trachea. The suction machine should be turned on and the tube begun to be inserted into the stoma. Do not apply suction as you are placing the tube into the opening. You should slowly move the catheter into the neck approximately 6 inches, or until some resistance is met. Then the finger should be applied to the vent so that the suction is started. This will cause the tube to buck a little and have it suck the material into the tube.

The catheter should be pulled out all the way and then placed into the distilled water. The suction should be applied to the water so that it cleans out the inside of the tube. The whole procedure can then be done again to get more material out. be careful not to apply suction for more than 10 seconds. This will prevent the person from breathing since all of the air is being sucked out of the patient during the tracheostomy suctioning procedure.