When should I consider getting a trach?

It might be time to consider getting a trach if: 

• It’s becoming harder for you to keep food, liquids, or saliva from passing into your lungs when you swallow, due to changes in your muscle strength or coordination. 
• You’ve aspirated (choked) several times. 
• You have pneumonia or you’ve had it in the past.   
• You have high levels of carbon dioxide in your blood.  
• You’ve been feeling very tired because you are having a hard time breathing.