SPECIAL CARE:
A healed and stable tracheostoma does not require any special care. The usual care routine that is applied to the rest of the skin is sufficient. And yet there are lots of care products for tracheostomas on the market. Some have their uses. Special care of the tracheostoma is recommended in the following situations.
After radiation, the skin in the treated area may be sore and not able to cope with any additional stress. A tracheostoma plaster should be used with restraint during this time. A tracheostoma button is not advised. Often, the best way to supply the tracheostoma during this time is with a soft silicone tube. The skin should be greased and protected from secretions from the tracheostoma. Scabs should be softened (e.g. by steaming) before being removed, as otherwise the skin could be damaged.
Permanent use of tracheostoma adhesives
The permanent use of a tracheostoma plaster permanently stresses the skin of the tracheostoma. If there are indications of the skin being over-stressed (redness, flaking, cracks, bleeding), then the adhesive technique is to be checked and use of the plaster suspended for a while.
During infections of the airways
In laryngectomees, infections of the airways lead to an increase in tracheal and bronchial secretions, which need to be coughed away. The permanent moisture in the tracheostoma can irritate the skin. The skin should therefore be protected against moisture by a layer of grease, and the secretions removed from the skin of the tracheostoma without delay. In such instances, the use of a short silicone tracheal cannula is recommended, as it facilitates atraumatic suction of the secretion without touching the tracheal mucosa. If a tracheostoma plaster is used, it is difficult to completely remove the coughed secretion without frequently removing it.
Injuries of the tracheostoma
The tracheostoma may suffer injuries. Often they range from pressure spots to pressure sores from poorly positioned tracheostomy tubes. However, for a variety of reasons there could also be surgical wounds on, or close to the tracheostoma. These wounds or injuries require very thorough care, as they could seriously inhibit the supply of the tracheostoma with various aids for the long-term. Wounds are to be protected against leaking tracheal secretions as far as possible, e.g. by applying a barrier cream (such as Comfeel Barrier Cream). Systematic antibiotic treatment is often worthwhile. Also watch out for localized fungal infections, which develop quickly in this moist environment. Whether it makes more sense to use a tracheostoma plaster or a tracheostomy tube depends largely on the location of the problem.
Article can be found at stimmprosthese.com
A healed and stable tracheostoma does not require any special care. The usual care routine that is applied to the rest of the skin is sufficient. And yet there are lots of care products for tracheostomas on the market. Some have their uses. Special care of the tracheostoma is recommended in the following situations.
- Directly after radiation
- If a tracheostoma plaster is used permanently
- If there are infections of the airways with increased phlegm production
- In the event of injury or wounds to the tracheostoma
After radiation, the skin in the treated area may be sore and not able to cope with any additional stress. A tracheostoma plaster should be used with restraint during this time. A tracheostoma button is not advised. Often, the best way to supply the tracheostoma during this time is with a soft silicone tube. The skin should be greased and protected from secretions from the tracheostoma. Scabs should be softened (e.g. by steaming) before being removed, as otherwise the skin could be damaged.
Permanent use of tracheostoma adhesives
The permanent use of a tracheostoma plaster permanently stresses the skin of the tracheostoma. If there are indications of the skin being over-stressed (redness, flaking, cracks, bleeding), then the adhesive technique is to be checked and use of the plaster suspended for a while.
During infections of the airways
In laryngectomees, infections of the airways lead to an increase in tracheal and bronchial secretions, which need to be coughed away. The permanent moisture in the tracheostoma can irritate the skin. The skin should therefore be protected against moisture by a layer of grease, and the secretions removed from the skin of the tracheostoma without delay. In such instances, the use of a short silicone tracheal cannula is recommended, as it facilitates atraumatic suction of the secretion without touching the tracheal mucosa. If a tracheostoma plaster is used, it is difficult to completely remove the coughed secretion without frequently removing it.
Injuries of the tracheostoma
The tracheostoma may suffer injuries. Often they range from pressure spots to pressure sores from poorly positioned tracheostomy tubes. However, for a variety of reasons there could also be surgical wounds on, or close to the tracheostoma. These wounds or injuries require very thorough care, as they could seriously inhibit the supply of the tracheostoma with various aids for the long-term. Wounds are to be protected against leaking tracheal secretions as far as possible, e.g. by applying a barrier cream (such as Comfeel Barrier Cream). Systematic antibiotic treatment is often worthwhile. Also watch out for localized fungal infections, which develop quickly in this moist environment. Whether it makes more sense to use a tracheostoma plaster or a tracheostomy tube depends largely on the location of the problem.
Article can be found at stimmprosthese.com
DO’S AND DON’TS FOR LARYNGECTOMY PATIENTS:
DO LEARN TO KEEP YOUR STOMA CLEAN
The inside of your stoma should be clean, moist, and glistening. It should look like the inside of your mouth. Saline spray or drops to help keep it moist are very important.
DO LEARN TO KEEP THE TUBE CLEAN
Not all people wear a tube. If you do, follow your physician’s and nurses direction for its care. See attached information if you do wear a tube.
DO COVER THE STOMA WHEN OUTDOORS
Use gauze, cotton, or crocheted covers.
DO EXERCISE MODERATION--IN EVERYTHING YOU DO
But DO exercise, walking is great!
DO DRESS COMFORTABLY
Allow for circulation of air, increased coughing and protection of clothing from coughing and secretions.
DO COVER YOUR STOMA WHEN COUGHING, SNEEZING
Use tissues or handkerchiefs to pick up any normal mucus that is expelled.
DO WEAR IDENTIFICATION
You should carry medical identification. It is available from the American Cancer Society, Medic Alert and or your physician.
DO HAVE REGULAR EXAMS
Regular exams with your primary doctor and your ENT doctor keep you healthy.
DO NOT ALLOW WATER TO ENTER YOUR STOMA
Do not swim unless you use a Larchel snorkel, which will help protect your airway. Use care in bathing, shaving. Use a shower shield or a moist towel to cover your stoma. Showers with extra humidity are important and helpful.
DO NOT FEAR SLEEPING
Instinct will work for you when you are asleep
DON’T INHALE SMOKE, DUST OR IRRITATING FUMES
A comfortable clean area that has a medium amount of humidity is good. Stoma covers are important for cleanliness.
DON’T ALLOW HAIR, THREADS, DUST TO BE INHALED
Warn your hairdresser or barber. Be alert yourself for loose threads buttons and excess dust. Your natural cough is a normal and good protection.
DON’T ALLOW YOUR HOME TO DRY OUT
Use saline squirted into your stoma to keep it moist and clean. Use saline squirts, spray bottles, or droppers. Use extra humidity in your home. A simple bedside humidifier is great
DO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR LOCAL LARYNGECOTMY SUPPORT CLUB
You can purchase stoma shields and stoma covers from many stores look on the internet and the IAL web site. Look at the web site for your laryngectomy club or the cancer society.
Article can be found at health.ucdavis.edu
DO LEARN TO KEEP YOUR STOMA CLEAN
The inside of your stoma should be clean, moist, and glistening. It should look like the inside of your mouth. Saline spray or drops to help keep it moist are very important.
DO LEARN TO KEEP THE TUBE CLEAN
Not all people wear a tube. If you do, follow your physician’s and nurses direction for its care. See attached information if you do wear a tube.
DO COVER THE STOMA WHEN OUTDOORS
Use gauze, cotton, or crocheted covers.
DO EXERCISE MODERATION--IN EVERYTHING YOU DO
But DO exercise, walking is great!
DO DRESS COMFORTABLY
Allow for circulation of air, increased coughing and protection of clothing from coughing and secretions.
DO COVER YOUR STOMA WHEN COUGHING, SNEEZING
Use tissues or handkerchiefs to pick up any normal mucus that is expelled.
DO WEAR IDENTIFICATION
You should carry medical identification. It is available from the American Cancer Society, Medic Alert and or your physician.
DO HAVE REGULAR EXAMS
Regular exams with your primary doctor and your ENT doctor keep you healthy.
DO NOT ALLOW WATER TO ENTER YOUR STOMA
Do not swim unless you use a Larchel snorkel, which will help protect your airway. Use care in bathing, shaving. Use a shower shield or a moist towel to cover your stoma. Showers with extra humidity are important and helpful.
DO NOT FEAR SLEEPING
Instinct will work for you when you are asleep
DON’T INHALE SMOKE, DUST OR IRRITATING FUMES
A comfortable clean area that has a medium amount of humidity is good. Stoma covers are important for cleanliness.
DON’T ALLOW HAIR, THREADS, DUST TO BE INHALED
Warn your hairdresser or barber. Be alert yourself for loose threads buttons and excess dust. Your natural cough is a normal and good protection.
DON’T ALLOW YOUR HOME TO DRY OUT
Use saline squirted into your stoma to keep it moist and clean. Use saline squirts, spray bottles, or droppers. Use extra humidity in your home. A simple bedside humidifier is great
DO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR LOCAL LARYNGECOTMY SUPPORT CLUB
You can purchase stoma shields and stoma covers from many stores look on the internet and the IAL web site. Look at the web site for your laryngectomy club or the cancer society.
Article can be found at health.ucdavis.edu