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2. When the PMV™ was put on the tracheostomy tube, it seemed to
be harder to breathe. What do I do?
The PMVs open very easily. PMV
005 (White) and PMV
007 (Aqua colored™) open with very little resistance on inhalation.
The PMV 2000
(Clear) and PMV
2001 (Purple colored™) open with an even lower resistance on
inhalation. If it appears that you are having trouble breathing
with the PMV in place, remove the PMV immediately. The following
are several things you should consider trying before putting
the PMV on again:
-
Check your position and the position of the tracheostomy tube. If possible, sit
upright in a chair or bed as this is generally most comfortable and will allow
for full movement of your diaphragm and other respiratory muscles. It should
also allow for air to pass easily around the tracheostomy tube and out of your
mouth and nose. A small child may be most comfortable on a caregiver's lap.
Also, make sure that the tracheostomy tube is not sitting crooked at the neck
as this can mean that it is crooked in the airway too. If the tracheostomy tube
is not sitting straight in the airway, it can block the air being exhaled as it
tries to pass from the lungs up around the tracheostomy tube and out of the
nose and mouth.
-
Check to be sure that the tracheostomy tube cuff is completely deflated. If you
have a cuffed tracheostomy tube, there may still be some air left in the cuff
which can block airflow around the tracheostomy tube decreasing your ability to
fully exhale. If you notice that air seems to slowly leak out of the cuff of
your tracheostomy tube, it may mean that the cuff does not stay completely
deflated either. You should have your tube evaluated and replaced as soon as
possible by your doctor and/or healthcare professional.
-
Suction airway through the tracheostomy tube and also the mouth again if needed.
Secretions may have built up in the airway since you were suctioned. If excess
secretions are not removed, breathing can become more difficult and make you
uncomfortable while the PMV is worn.
Continued >>
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