Tracheostomies have the same risks common to any surgery or procedure that uses general anesthesia, such as infection and bleeding with surgery and adverse reaction or breathing difficulties during the use of general anesthesia. 

Some patients who receive tracheostomies may be tempted to smoke through the stoma after their procedure. However, the practice is strongly discouraged and presents a serious threat to the patient's health.

Some of the side effects associated with tracheostomies can include:

• Erosion of the trachea. A wearing away of the surface layer of the trachea.
  
  
• Buildup of scar tissue in the trachea.
  
  
• Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
  
  
• Infection from exposure of the stoma to bacteria and environmental elements
  
  
• Blockage of the trachea from secretions or debris from the environment resulting in breathing difficulties
  
  
• Irritation or bleeding around the stoma site
  
  
• Difficulty with speech production

Patients who exhibit any of the following symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:

• Bleeding
  
  
• Signs of infection such as swelling, redness, warmth, pus and increasing pain
  
  
• Obstruction of the tube and breathing difficulties