Tips For Daily Living; What You Will Need In Atravel Kit - Covidien Shiley Manual De Usuario

TipS foR dAily liVinG

Humidification
Normally, your nose and mouth would moisten the air you
breathe to protect the lining of your lungs. With a tracheos-
tomy tube, you have to moisten the air another way. That's
why it is important to drink plenty of liquids and use a
humidifier or an "artificial nose. "
Bathing
While a little moisture is good, too much can cause prob-
lems. So when you shower, direct the shower spray at chest
level and place a shower shield or protective covering over
your tracheostomy tube. Be careful to keep soap and water
away from the tube and stoma when washing your face.
Also, take care to cover your tracheostomy tube when you
are shaving or using powders, hair spray, etc. around your
face and neck.
illness
For tracheostomy patients, an ounce of prevention is definitely
worth a pound of cure. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of rest.
Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections.
If illness occurs, you may need to suction more frequently. Be
sure to get plenty of fluids, particularly if you have symptoms
of fever, vomiting or diarrhea. If you vomit, cover the trache-
ostomy 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.
Clothing
The main concern about clothing is that it does not block
the tracheostomy tube. Avoid crew necks and turtle necks in
favor of v-necks and open collar shirts or blouses. Also, do
not wear clothes that shed fibers or lint.
Getting out
If your doctor says you can leave home to go shopping or visit
friends, do it. It is a wonderful break from the routine, and it
will lift your spirits. Just take along a travel kit (see above).
If it's very cold outside, be sure to wear an artificial nose or
loosely cover the tracheostomy tube with a scarf, kerchief or
gauze. This helps to warm the air as you breathe, so that the
cold air doesn't irritate your windpipe and lungs. It also helps
keep out dust or dirt on windy days.
Tips for daily living
WHAT yoU Will nEEd in A
TRAVEl kiT
Blunt-nose scissors
Breathing medications (if you use them)
Manual resuscitation bag (if ordered
by doctor)
Portable suctioning device
Spare tracheostomy tubes with
obturator and ties (one the same size
and one smaller)
Suction catheter
Tissues
noTE: Appropriate humidification, when
indicated, helps ensure that the cannula
and fenestration remain open and function
properly.
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