Tutorial presented by Emma Forster, Tracheostomy Nurse Consultant

In this tutorial, Emma explores the use of artificial humidification for patients with tracheostomies, covering three main areas:

Importance of Humidification: Tracheostomies bypass the natural humidification process of the upper airway, causing cold, dry air to enter the lungs directly. This increases the risk of secretion thickening and tracheostomy blockages, making artificial humidification essential. Proper hydration is the first step in maintaining secretion balance.

Methods of Humidification: Various methods include:

• Heat Moisture Exchange (HME): A filter placed on the tracheostomy tube that captures exhaled moisture and humidifies the air breathed back in.
• Buchanan Bib: An alternative to HME for patients with copious secretions or intolerance to the filter. It works similarly by trapping moisture from exhaled air.
• Nebulisers: Used for patients with thick secretions, delivering moist air directly to the lungs. The choice of humidification method depends on the patient’s specific needs, secretion volume, and viscosity.

Accessing Humidification Supplies: HME filters, Buchanan bibs, and nebulisers can be prescribed through the NHS drug tariff. Clinicians must regularly review and adapt humidification methods based on the patient’s changing clinical needs, particularly if issues like frequent chest infections arise.