At the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- explain what humidification is and why it is important
- identify your child’s home humification set up
- recognize complications related to inadequate humidification
When you breathe through your nose and mouth, the air is warmed, filtered and humidified (water is added) before it goes into the lungs. However, when a child has a tracheostomy tube, the air is not warmed, filtered or humidified because it enters directly through the tracheostomy tube.
Why is it important for my child to breathe in humidified air?
Air that is warmed and humidified helps thin out
secretions (mucus), making them easier for your child to cough up and to be suctioned out. This ensures that the mucous will not dry and block the tracheostomy tube. Humidity also contributes to overall lung health to ensure good mucociliary clearance. Lack of proper humidity can also lead to irritation in the lungs and infection.
What are some signs that the air my child breathes in lacks humidity (is too dry)?
If the air your child breathes in is too dry, your child may have:
- thick secretions
- an ongoing cough
- secretions that are slow to move up the suction catheter during suctioning
- secretions that collect on the outside of the catheter during suctioning
- secretions that collect on the inside of the tracheostomy tube (mucus plugs), causing partial or complete blockage
Role of hydration in releasing secretions
Sometimes your child’s mucus may be very thick despite proper use of a humidifier. Thick mucus can also be a sign of dehydration.
Your child can become dehydrated due to:
To help your child release secretions, it is important to both humidify the air your child breathes and keep your child well hydrated.
How can I humidify the air my child breathes in?
You can humidify (add water to) the air your child is breathing while they have a tracheostomy with a device called a humidifier. There are four types of humidifiers:
- heat and moisture exchanger (HME)
- non-heated humidifier (large-volume high-flow nebulizer)
- heated high flow humidifier (e.g., Airvo)
- heated humidifier (e.g., pass-over heated humidity)
These are all explained over the following chapter sections.