Tracheostomacare

Coughing

Surgery removes the natural connection between the mouth and throat and windpipe. People no longer inhale, exhale or cough through the nose and mouth. Breathing and coughing are now done through the tracheostoma.
If a filter is used, this can briefly be removed from the plaster when patients feel they need to cough.
Mucus is removed with a tissue or paper handkerchief and the filter is then placed back. The filter can be replaced as needed.
If the filter is not removed during coughing or if the mucus is not removed, the stoma plaster will become unstuck sooner.