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Why it's used
Why it's used

A tracheostomy is sometimes needed if you're unable to breathe normally because of an underlying health condition or a blocked airway.

Breathing problems

A tracheostomy can deliver oxygen to the lungs if you cannot breathe normally. This is known as respiratory failure.

Conditions that can lead to respiratory failure and the need for a tracheostomy include:

Sometimes, a tube attached to an artificial breathing machine (ventilator) is inserted into the mouth and down the throat.

But this can be uncomfortable, so a tracheostomy may be carried out if you need help breathing for more than a few days.

Blockages

A tracheostomy can also be used to bypass an airway that's blocked as a result of:

  • accidentally swallowing something that gets stuck in the windpipe (trachea)
  • an injury, infection, burn or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that causes the throat to become swollen and narrowed
  • swelling after head or neck surgery
  • a cancerous tumour – this can sometimes happen with mouth cancer, laryngeal cancer or thyroid cancer

In addition, some children born with birth defects that cause their airways to be abnormally narrow may need a tracheostomy to help them breathe.

Removing fluid

A tracheostomy may be carried out to remove fluid that's built up in the airways.

This may be needed if:

  • you're unable to cough properly because of long-term pain, muscle weakness or paralysis
  • you have a serious lung infection, such as pneumonia, that's caused your lungs to become clogged with fluid
  • your airways or lungs have filled with blood as a result of an injury
Last Reviewed
02 January 2025
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