Breathing sounds analysis system for early detection of airway problems in patients with a tracheostomy tube.

To prevent immediate mortality in patients with a tracheostomy tube, it is essential to ensure timely suctioning or replacement of the tube. Breathing sounds at the entrance of tracheostomy tubes were recorded with a microphone and analyzed using a spectrogram to detect airway problems. The sounds were classified into three categories based on the waveform of the spectrogram according to the obstacle status: normal breathing sounds (NS), vibrant breathing sounds (VS) caused by movable obstacles, and sharp breathing sounds (SS) caused by fixed obstacles.