Humidification is an essential part of tracheostomy and laryngectomy care.

Why is it so important?

Answer

Humidification is an essential part of tracheostomy and laryngectomy care.

Why is it so important?

Fig 1 is a video explaining key learning points about humidification.

Adequate humidification can prevent tubes becoming blocked with secretions and replaces the humidification normally provided by the upper airways, which have been bypassed.

Table 1 illustrates some of the functions that humidifcation helps with.

There are different types of humidification available to meet specific patients needs at any particular time:

Fig 1 Humidification

Humidification is an essential part of tracheostomy and laryngectomy care.

Why is it so important?

Fig 1 is a video explaining key learning points about humidification.

Adequate humidification can prevent tubes becoming blocked with secretions and replaces the humidification normally provided by the upper airways, which have been bypassed.

Table 1 illustrates some of the functions that humidifcation helps with.

There are different types of humidification available to meet specific patients needs at any particular time:

Humidification
Optimizes:
  • Cilia/mucosal function, keeps secretions mobile
  • Secretion clearance
  • Gas exchange
Reduces:
  • Airway resistance
  • Risk of tube obstruction
  • Risk of secretion retention and colonization leading to pulmonary infection
  • Risk of tracheal mucosal damage
  • Pulmonary heat and water losses

Table 1 Functions of humidification

Humidification is an essential part of tracheostomy and laryngectomy care.

Why is it so important?

Fig 1 is a video explaining key learning points about humidification.

Adequate humidification can prevent tubes becoming blocked with secretions and replaces the humidification normally provided by the upper airways, which have been bypassed.

Table 1 illustrates some of the functions that humidifcation helps with.

There are different types of humidification available to meet the specific patients needs at any particular time:

Active humidification

The simplest humidification systems bubble oxygen (or air) through a water chamber. Efficacy is increased by heating the water or using aerosol-generating systems. Heated humidification operates actively by increasing the heat and water vapour content of inspired gas, so that gas is delivered fully saturated at core temperature.

It is indicated for tracheostomy patients requiring mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy for ≥96 hours.

Heated water bath active humidification

Humidification is an essential part of tracheostomy and laryngectomy care.

Why is it so important?

Fig 1 is a video explaining key learning points about humidification.

Adequate humidification can prevent tubes becoming blocked with secretions and replaces the humidification normally provided by the upper airways, which have been bypassed.

Table 1 illustrates some of the functions that humidifcation helps with.

There are different types of humidification available to meet the specific patients needs at any particular time:

Passive humidification

Systems that rely on patient effort can be effective for a patient with normal secretion. Cold humidification which bubbles gas through cold water only delivers a relative humidity of 50% at ambient temperatures.

Humidification is an essential part of tracheostomy and laryngectomy care.

Why is it so important?

Fig 1 is a video explaining key learning points about humidification.

Adequate humidification can prevent tubes becoming blocked with secretions and replaces the humidification normally provided by the upper airways, which have been bypassed.

Table 1 illustrates some of the functions that humidifcation helps with.

There are different types of humidification available to meet the specific patients needs at any particular time:

Other measures

General measures such as ensuring adequate hydration can reduce the viscosity of secretions. This is particularly important if drying agents (such as atropine or hyoscine) are used to help with oral secretions. Other interventions include:

  • Nebulized saline or hypertonic saline
  • Nebulized mucolytics (e.g. N-acetyl-cysteine)
  • Systemic mucolytics (e.g. carbocysteine)

Saline nebulizer attached to a tracheostomy mask