A tracheostomy is usually done for one of three reasons: to bypass an obstructed upper airway; to clean and remove secretions from the airway; to more easily, and usually more safely, deliver oxygen to the lungs.
What conditions require a tracheostomy?
Conditions that may require a tracheostomy include:
- anaphylaxis.
- birth defects of the airway.
- burns of the airway from inhalation of corrosive material.
- cancer in the neck.
- chronic lung disease.
- coma.
- diaphragm dysfunction.
- facial burns or surgery.
Why do they do tracheostomy in Covid patients?
Tracheostomy is often performed for prolonged endotracheal intubation in critically ill patients. However, in the context of COVID-19, tracheostomy placement pathways have been altered due to the poor prognosis of intubated patients and the risk of transmission to providers through this highly aerosolizing procedure.
