Is dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) from a tracheostomy permanent?!


Question: No, it is not permanent.
Normally, the person experiences a degree of swallowing difficulties when they have a tracheostomy tube in situ. However, it is not common to offer a drink or food to the person if they have the tube in. It is mainly to prevent the risk of aspiration of food or drink into the lungs that may predispose to a chest infection therefore prolong the hospital stay.
However, in the clinical practice, the person(with a tracheostomy tube), will undergo a "swallow test" also called a blue dye test)which is conducted by a trained personnel prior considering taking the tube out. It is just to make sure that the person is able to swallow properly without risking himself of a aspiration. The client has to pass the test in three consecutive time in which case, the tracheostomy tube is removed and a adhesive dressing is applied on the stoma site.
The client may initially find it hard to swallow but, may show improvement in the day 2 or 3.
The client will be fed via the Naso-gastric tube until the tracheostomy comes off. It is always safer too.
Hope, this helps.


Answers: No, it is not permanent.
Normally, the person experiences a degree of swallowing difficulties when they have a tracheostomy tube in situ. However, it is not common to offer a drink or food to the person if they have the tube in. It is mainly to prevent the risk of aspiration of food or drink into the lungs that may predispose to a chest infection therefore prolong the hospital stay.
However, in the clinical practice, the person(with a tracheostomy tube), will undergo a "swallow test" also called a blue dye test)which is conducted by a trained personnel prior considering taking the tube out. It is just to make sure that the person is able to swallow properly without risking himself of a aspiration. The client has to pass the test in three consecutive time in which case, the tracheostomy tube is removed and a adhesive dressing is applied on the stoma site.
The client may initially find it hard to swallow but, may show improvement in the day 2 or 3.
The client will be fed via the Naso-gastric tube until the tracheostomy comes off. It is always safer too.
Hope, this helps.

The logical thing would be to ask your doctor rather than get opinions from people who likely have no medical training.
You doctor, not the people on this site, know your problem and medical history. Use some common sense.





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