Table of Contents
How do you feed a patient with a tracheostomy?
Tips for eating with a trach tube
- Follow any diet instructions given by your healthcare provider or speech therapist.
- If you have a cuffed tube, ask your healthcare provider whether you should deflate it before you eat.
- When eating, sit up straight.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Prevent constipation by eating plenty of fiber.
What kind of food can you eat with a trach?
Diet
- You should be able to eat without problems.
- If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
- You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery.
How does a tracheostomy affect swallowing?
The tracheostomy tube affects airway protection and swallowing in many ways. It impairs the glottic closure reflex, reduces subglottic pressure and laryngeal elevation, impairs hypopharyngeal and laryngeal sensation, and leads to disuse muscle atrophy.
How long can a person live with a tracheostomy?
The median survival after tracheostomy was 21 months (range, 0-155 months). The survival rate was 65% by 1 year and 45% by 2 years after tracheostomy. Survival was significantly shorter in patients older than 60 years at tracheostomy, with a hazard ratio of dying of 2.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.9).
Can you eat orally with a tracheostomy?
Most people will eventually be able to eat normally with a tracheostomy, although swallowing can be difficult at first. While in hospital, you may start by taking small sips of water before gradually moving on to soft foods, followed by regular food.
Can patient eat orally with a tracheostomy?
Most people with a tracheostomy tube will be able to eat normally. However, it may feel different when you swallow foods or liquids.
Can you taste with a tracheostomy?
Air is drawn into the nose by keeping the mouth closed and covering the stoma. The air passing through the nose allows you to smell. Taste will also be affected because it is closely tied to smell.
Can you eat food if you have a trach?
Can patients with tracheostomy eat orally?
If the patient eats by mouth, it is recommended that the tracheostomy tube be suctioned prior to eating. This often prevents the need for suctioning during or after meals, which may stimulate excessive coughing and could result in vomiting. Encouraging fluid intake is helpful for a patient with a tracheostomy.
Can you throw up with a trach?
If you vomit, cover the tracheostomy tube with an artificial nose or towel to keep vomit out of your airway. If you think vomit may have entered the tracheostomy tube, suction immediately. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, particularly if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Watch for signs of infection.