Tag: Tracheostomy

Studies indicate that the ability to swallow and eat orally with a tracheostomy depends heavily on the underlying medical condition, neurological status, and tracheostomy tube features. This brings the crucial question, 'Can a person with a trach eat?' to the forefront for patients and caregivers alike.

Approximately 50% of critical care patients with tracheostomies experience some form of swallowing difficulty, making oral intake challenging. Understanding if a person can eat on a ventilator depends heavily on the specific type of respiratory support they receive, with different methods having distinct implications for eating and nutrition.

While it may seem counterintuitive, studies show that many patients on a tracheostomy and ventilator can eat and drink safely, even in the ICU. The ability to eat with a trach and vent is dependent on the patient's individual medical stability and swallowing function, which requires careful assessment by a multidisciplinary healthcare team.