If you notice any of the signs and symptoms above, especially persistent voice changes, painful swallowing, or difficulty breathing, contact a healthcare provider. Early medical attention can help with diagnosis and treatment options, potentially avoiding the need for a laryngectomy.

Do’s:

• Follow-up regularly: Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.
• Learn alternative communication: Explore options like voice prostheses or speech therapy.
• Practice good stoma care: To prevent infections, keep the tracheostomy stoma clean.
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: To promote healing and maintain strength.
• Avoid exposure to irritants: Such as dust, smoke, and strong fumes, as they can irritate the stoma.

​​​​​​​ Don’ts:

• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol: These can delay healing and increase the risk of recurrence.
• Avoid water near the stoma: Use a stoma guard while bathing or in the rain to prevent water entry.
• Don’t neglect oral hygiene: Maintain good oral care, as it affects overall health and stoma cleanliness.
• Avoid strenuous activities: Give your body time to recover and avoid lifting heavy objects.

Disclaimer:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-to-know-laryngectomy
2. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/ear-nose-and-throat/laryngectomy
3. https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/ohns/documents/Health%20Care/head-neck-surgery/patient-handouts/HN-Surgery-Laryngectomy-Guide-OHNS-Stanford.pdf
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/laryngectomy