Description
The trachea following the creation of a tracheostomy is illequipped to humidify inspired air, and as a result cold, dry air is able to reach the carina and beyond. The reduction of air temperature causes drying of the tracheobronchial mucosa. The reduction of humidified air affects ciliary clearance of the lower airway. If the air is not humidified, the dry mucus can lead to atelectasis, with pulmonary infection. Resultant complications can lead to prolonged morbidity and even mortality.1 Therefore humidification is vital in tracheostomised patients to minimse prolonged hospitalisation and prevent complications, and should be introduced as early as possible following stoma creation. There are a variety of methods of supplying humidity which should not be neglected in the nursing management of such patients.
