hengitysputkesta

Hengitysputki, or tracheal tube, is a medical device used to secure and maintain a patient's airway. It is a flexible tube that is inserted into the trachea, or windpipe, through the mouth (orotracheal intubation) or nose (nasotracheal intubation). The primary purpose of a breathing tube is to facilitate ventilation, either by the patient themselves or with the assistance of a mechanical ventilator.

The use of a breathing tube is essential in situations where a patient cannot maintain an adequate airway or is unable to breathe effectively on their own. This includes instances of respiratory failure, severe trauma, anesthesia during surgery, or when a patient is unconscious and at risk of aspiration. The tube bypasses the upper airway structures and directly connects the lungs to an external source of air or oxygen.

Once inserted, the breathing tube is typically secured in place with tape or a special holder to prevent dislodgement. A cuff, a small inflatable balloon near the tip of the tube, is then inflated within the trachea. This cuff seals the airway, preventing air from escaping around the tube and also acting as a barrier against the aspiration of gastric contents or other secretions into the lungs.

The presence of a breathing tube necessitates careful monitoring by healthcare professionals. Complications can arise, including injury to the airway, infection, or vocal cord damage. The duration for which a breathing tube is in place is a critical consideration, with efforts typically made to remove it as soon as the patient can breathe independently. This process of removing the tube is known as extubation.