Your Tracheostomy Tube: Tips for Eating

When you first get your tracheostomy (trach), you may have some trouble eating and swallowing. A speech therapist (a person trained to help people with problems swallowing) or feeding specialist will work with you to improve these skills as needed. Most patients are able to return to their usual eating habits after healing from the surgery is complete and swallowing has improved. Here are some things to keep in mind when eating with a trach tube.

Cut food into small pieces to make swallowing easier.

Tips for Eating with a Trach Tube

• Follow any diet instructions given by your doctor or other healthcare provider. For instance, you may be told to avoid certain foods or drinks that are hard to swallow.

• If you have a cuffed tube, ask your doctor whether you should deflate it before you eat. Also, ask your doctor if you should suction your tube before you eat.

• When eating, sit up straight. Eat slowly and chew food well before you swallow.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help keep your mucus thin and prevent mucus buildup. At first, drink thicker fluids, such as soups and nonalcoholic blended drinks. As you get used to the tube, you may be able to go back to drinking thinner liquids, such as water.

• Prevent constipation by eating plenty of fiber. This is found in whole grains, bran, fruits, vegetables, and beans.