Three Common Complications of a Tracheostomy

A tracheostomy is an opening in the neck which can help open the airway and trachea by the way of a tracheostomy tube. The tracheostomy is created by a surgical procedure and it can be used to help people with many different medical conditions breathe easier. There are a lot of possible complications that can arise from a tracheostomy but here are three of the most common complications you might experience.

1. Bleeding

Bleeding is often a common complication after suctioning of the tracheostomy and it usually is not that big of a problem. The bleeding might be so minor that you only notice some pink or red streaks in the mucous or small lines within the tracheostomy tube itself. As long as you pay close attention to the bleeding, especially if it occurs after suctioning, then it often will go away but if it persists you should seek medical assistance immediately. Some common causes of the bleeding include irritation from suctioning around the opening, too much suctioning or going in too deep and a foreign object lodged in the airway. Coughing frequently might also disrupt the airway making it raw and likely to bleed as well and the bleeding also might be a sign of an infection. You should also be aware of bleeding because this could also occur as the result of a suctioning pressure too high for the type of person with the tracheostomy, since adults and children require different pressure levels.

2. Infection

Infections such as one in the respiratory area are very common in people who have a tracheostomy especially since their immune system is compromised. The most common infection is a respiratory infection because the tracheostomy tube voids the lines of defense in the throat including the mucous membranes which help fight off infections. You can also get an infection around the tracheostomy if you do not wash your hands before suctioning or changing the tracheostomy tube or if the person touches their tracheostomy with dirty hands. Someone who has a tracheostomy should always take extra precautions by washing hands thoroughly before touching or caring for their tracheostomy to help cut down the risk of infection. Some warning signs of an infection include green or yellow mucous, bleeding, strong or foul odor, increased amount of mucous or if the mucous is very thick in consistency. Fever, congestion in the lungs, irritation or redness around the tracheostomy and overall lethargy are also signs that an infection might be present. If you suspect an infection then it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible so that it does not worsen and you can be prescribed the proper medications.

3. Tissue Growths

Various tissue growths are also common complications that someone with a tracheostomy might have to deal with in their lifetime. A Granuloma is one of the most common types of tissue growths and it occurs when the inflamed tissues fuse together. The granuloma might occur because of the tracheostomy tube in the airway sliding back and forth and is often painful in nature. Scar tissue is also common and can be seen as the tissues growing together forming a hard line along the scar itself. Scar tissue usually does not hurt but it can cause the area to become raised and thick in nature which might always be present. A tracheal fistula might also occur and this happens when the connective tissues between the trachea and esophagus join together.

These are just some of the most common complications that you might have if you have a tracheostomy. If you notice any abnormalities then you should always seek medical attention as soon as possible because some complications are serious and could be considered life-threatening. If you want to prevent complications from occurring then you should take precautions to wash your hands before touching the area and you should also try to keep the area as dry as possible to prevent inflammation.

Myself, Personal Experience

Johns Hopskins Medicine Staff, “Complications and Risks of Tracheostomy”, Johns Hopskins Medicine