Regular and effective inhalation
After a laryngectomy or tracheotomy, the natural airway changes.
One changes from being a mouth and nose breather to become a neck breather. After surgery, breathing is performed through the throat opening, the tracheostoma. Basic functions such as filtering, warming and humidifying the respiratory air are thus lost. However, to prevent the mucous membranes from being unnecessarily irritated by cold, dry and polluted respiratory air, suitable aids must mimic these functions – through active respiratory gas conditioning.
![[Translate to English:] Frau sitzt auf Berg und streckt Arme in die Luft](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/e/csm_Full-Width_Image_-_Mobile_Inhalation_d124111b20.png)
![[Translate to English:] Frau sitzt auf Berg und streckt Arme in die Luft](/fileadmin/user_upload/user_upload/Contentbereich/Bilder/Content-Header/Desktop/Full-Width_Image_-_Desktop_Inhalation.png)
If functions such as filtering, warming and humidifying are lost without the use of aids, this leads to severe irritation of the mucous membranes, increased secretion formation, coughing stimuli, encrustation and scabbing. To minimise these consequences, it is essential, for example, to inhale regularly and ensure that living areas are kept at a constant air humidity of approx. 55 - 60%1. Inhalations of different compositions several times a day can achieve additional humidification and possibly warming of the airways.
Medicinal additives in particular can change the consistency of secretions in the airways, prevent encrustation and support easier inhalation. The appropriate composition of inhalant, inhalation duration and intervals should be determined and prescribed by the attending physician on an individual patient basis. Special connection options, such as, for example, a mask or 15 mm connector, ensure that inhalation can be performed directly via the tracheostoma and avoid a loss of inhalant into the environment.
As different types of devices employ different techniques, for example, compressor-driven or ultrasound-based, it is essential to observe the manufacturer's instructions for the respective devices before putting into operation. The objective of respiratory gas conditioning is to emulate the physiologically necessary conditions for the respiratory system. The respiratory air should lie in the range of 36 - 37 °C and 50 - 55 % relative humidity2. Particularly in the winter months, the use of room humidifiers is a proven measure to create better conditions for one's own respiratory system. And by the way, this not only applies to tracheotomised patients, but also to healthy mouth and nose breathers.
Two examples of our Nebuline devices
The compact and stylish NEBUFIRST® PRO is our latest product for effective inhalation in a variety of respiratory diseases. The powerful compressor uses the nozzle nebuliser to generate a fine aerosol mist which also effectively humidifies the lower respiratory tract. The clear design with rounded shapes enables convenient operation and uncomplicated cleaning. With its reliable, maintenance-free motor, NEBUFIRST® PRO is the perfect device for everyday use. Further special accessories for tracheotomised and laryngectomised patients are available to achieve even better inhalation results.
The NEBUJUNIOR® inhaler is a modern inhaler device for compressed-air operated humidification of respiratory air. The fine aerosol mist enables noticeable humidification of the respiratory tract. The optical appearance, which appeals to children, reduces dislikes or fears associated with inhalation. The easy-to-clean, handy design of the device assures comfortable operation, as well as simple cleaning of the NEBUJUNIOR®. The powerful unit of the NEBUJUNIOR® enables efficient inhalation. The robust quality of the NEBUJUNIOR® makes it a reliable standard inhalation device for daily use. A lit on and off switch reliably indicates operation. An inhalation mask, mouthpiece, replacement filter and bag are included in the scope of delivery.
Sources:
1 www.hno-aerzte-im-netz.de/news/hno-news/trockene-nase-feuchte-handtuecher-auf-der-heizung-schuetzen-davor.html
Hals%2DNasen%2DOhren%C3%A4rzte, abgerufen am 15.05.2024
2 Larsen R. Atemtherapie. Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin für die Fachpflege. 2016 Jun 14:716–28. German. doi: 10.1007/978-3-662-50444-4_54. PMCID: PMC7531291
