Date Posted: 27.03.2012

A Tracheostomy is a surgery in which a doctor places a tube for breathing into a child's trachea(windpipe). Developed almost 500 years ago, the surgery is done for many reasons. The reasons may include bypassing a blockage in the airway, to assist patients who cannot cough out the mucus from their lungs, and to aid patients who need to be on a ventilator (breathing machine) for a long time.
At first when parents are faced with the prospect that their child is going to have a tracheostomy tube placed it can be daunting and quite frightening. As parents become more familiar with the situation these feelings will pass and soon caring for the child with a tracheostomy will become a routine part of their lives. Children with a tracheostomy tube for the most part can lead healthy happy lives. They can participate in play, attend mainstream school and travel freely once they have their emergency bag with them and a carer who is trained in tracheostomy care. There are few exceptions to this rule such as, playing with dry sand and swimming which are not recommended for children with a tracheostomy.
Nose:
The nose is the first part of the breathing passage. The function of the nose is to begin the process by which air is warmed, moistened and filtered.

Pharynx:
The pharynx is a tube about five inches long. It lies behind the nose. The pharynx plays two roles, one is to allow air to pass through from the nose and the second is to allow the passage of food.

Larynx:
The larynx or “voice box” extends from the root of the tongue to the windpipe (trachea). The larynx provides a passageway for air between the pharynx and the trachea. It also protects our airway during swallowing by ensuring that food is prevented from entering the lower breathing passages. The vocal cords are found within the larynx.

Trachea:
The trachea or windpipe is a tube which extends from the larynx to a divide which separates the right and left bronchi before entering the lungs. Its function is to allow air to pass freely to the lungs.

Lungs:
There are two in number, one lying on each side of the chest. Their main function is respiration.
 

Source : www.tagireland.com