Hi Everyone. Just wanted to make a few comments about eating and trachs. I am an licensed Speech Pathologist that works with trach/vent patients everyday at the hospital I work in. I would highly encourage anyone who has had a trach put in, to have a swallowing test done first before trying to eat. Trachs (whether they are cuffed, balloon inside that is inflated, or not) can hinder the larynx (voice box) from moving up and forward, which is needed to protect the airway when you swallow. Yes, many people can eat just fine with a trach and yes if you could eat fine before a trach, chances are you are more likely to be able to eat with it......but not always.
Having a trach also does not allow for airflow to get up to your vocal cords and upper airway, which is important for "feeling" if something has gone down the wrong pipe. This airflow provides more sensation to alert the body to cough. Trach patients I see for swallowing studies are commonly "silent aspirators" which means food/liquids gets into their airway and they do not respond with a cough or throat clear.
Again, trachs can alter the normal mechanics for swallowing, but do not always. I say rather be safe than sorry.
Hope this sheds a little light. There is so much info I did not get into, but would be happy to answer any more questions.
