Abstract
Introduction: In this investigation, a comparison is made between tracheal conditioning after use of a vaporizing humidifier and use of a tracheal spray in tracheotomized patients. Methods: Humidity of the upper tracheal segment before and after administration of nebulized or sprayed water was measured. Results: After use of both the vaporizer and the hand-spray, the absolute humidity in the trachea increased significantly. After end of humidification, the humidity decreased significantly slowlier after use of the hand-spray than after vaporizer. Discussion: Both methods of airway humidification increase tracheal humidity and conditioning. Administration of hand-sprayed water into the trachea seems to be longer efficient on tracheal humidity. The tracheal hand-spray is an effective and easy-to-use method of tracheal humidification for tracheotomees and laryngectomees.
