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Patient information series: Use of a tracheostomy with a child.

Why does my child need a trach? Your child may need a trach for many different reasons. The most common reasons are: ■ To help prevent food or saliva from going into your child’s lungs (aspiration). Children who have problems swallowing may aspirate food or saliva, which may cause a lung infection and damage the lungs. The trach can help to keep food and saliva out of the lungs. ■ To allow use of a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) to help your child breathe (see ATS Patient Information Series: Mechanical Ventilation). Children who have severe lung problems, or other health problems that affect breathing, may need to use a ventilator to help them breathe. The ventilator can be attached to the trach tube and allow the child to use the mouth and face. ■ To help keep your child’s airway open. Sometimes a child’s windpipe is too small or blocked to allow enough air to flow in and out of the lungs. This can make it very hard for the child to breathe. The trach can help keep the child’s airway open. ■ To help your child get excess mucus or secretions out of their breathing tubes (bronchial tubes). Some children with lung problems have a lot of mucus that collects in their lungs. If your child cannot cough well enough to “bring up” mucus, the mucus may clog their airways, making it more difficult for your child to breathe. Having a trach allows the child’s caregiver to suction out the mucus and keep the airway clear.