Culture And Sensitivity Anaerobic Tracheostomy Tube Secrection

Tracheostomy secretions are collected to test the sensitivity of the anaerobic bacteria which may be the reason for infections in the trachea and neck. The goal is to see if there is an anaerobic infection present in the trachea and around the tracheostomy tube. This test is performed on the tracheostomy secretions collected by the healthcare provider. If there is a growth of bacteria in the culture, then it may be the reason for infections in the tracheal region or the neck. Infections of the trachea are called tracheitis.

What is tracheostomy?

Tracheostomy is a medical procedure which involves an opening in the neck in order to place a tube into the trachea. This tube is inserted through a cut in the neck below the vocal cords. This will allow air to enter the lungs. Breathing is done through the tube, bypassing the mouth, nose, and throat. A tracheostomy is usually referred to as a stoma.

What are anaerobic bacteria?

Anaerobic bacteria are bacteria that can not survive in the presence of oxygen. Some of the examples of anaerobic bacteria are Staphylococcus, E.Coli, Clostridium, Actinomyces, Acetobacterium, etc. The growth of anaerobic bacteria causes anaerobic infections. Anaerobic infections can occur when deep tissues are injured or exposed. This can occur due to surgery or trauma, etc. The risk factors of getting an anaerobic infection are diabetes, a weak immune system, low blood flow, staph infection, open wounds, etc. The common symptoms of anaerobic infection are smelly discharge, pus-filled abscess, discoloration of the infected area, etc.

What is bacterial tracheitis?

The trachea is knowns as windpipe and is an important part of your body’s airway system. When the air is inhaled through the nose it travels through the larynx (voice box) and down the trachea. Tracheitis is an infection of trachea caused by bacteria which may be aerobic or anaerobic. Since the infection is caused by bacteria it is called bacterial tracheitis. This is a rare condition which typically affects young children. If not treated in the early stage this may lead to life-threatening complications. The infection may also be due to insertion of the tracheal tube which is called tracheostomy

Why this test is recommended?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience certain symptoms of tracheitis. The infection may be usually contracted by an upper respiratory infection which includes cold, cough, and low-grade fever. After two to five days they may develop into symptoms of infection and airway obstruction like high fever, nasal flaring, wheezing, cyanosis (a blue tinge on the skin), difficulty in breathing, deep severe cough, mucus that has a foul odor, etc. In some conditions, the individual may develop stridor which is a high-pitched sound produced during breathing. This is considered as a sign of serious infection and partial airway obstruction. This can be life-threatening. This test may be specially performed to check if the infection is due to anaerobic bacteria or not. This test is also recommended to plan the treatment according to the type of bacteria. The test is also recommended to check the effectiveness of the treatment given.

The normal test results may vary depending on age, health history, medical condition, etc.

If your test results show negative it means there is no growth of anaerobic bacteria.

If your test results show positive it may indicate that you may have an anaerobic bacterial infection in the trachea and tracheostomy tube secretions.

If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately with your lab test reports.