Types of Humidification

• Passive Humidification: Heat and moisture exchange (HME) filters trap moisture from exhaled air and return it to the patient during inhalation: Nasal spray, normal saline, natural moist air
• Active Humidification: Devices like heated humidifiers actively add moisture and warmth to the air, ensuring better humidification for patients with significant secretion issues

Benefit of Humidification in Tracheostomised Patients

• Prevents Thick Secretions: Humidified air keeps secretions thin, reducing the risk of blockages in the tracheostomy tube
• Enhances Mucociliary Clearance: Proper humidification supports the function of cilia, improving mucus clearance from the airway
• Reduces Infection Risk: Keeping the airway moist helps lowers the risk of respiratory tract infections by keeping airway free from accumulated secretions that can harbour bacteria
• Improves Comfort: Patients experience less irritation and discomfort with humidified air, especially when ventilated or during suctioning
• Prevents Tracheal Damage: Dry air can cause inflammation, bleeding, or damage to the tracheal tissues, and humidification helps prevent this
• Aids in Effective Ventilation: In mechanically ventilated patients, humidification ensures proper gas exchange and prevents complications like tube occlusion due to mucus plugs