Chest tube procedures

Putting in a chest tube is considered minor surgery, and it may be done while you're awake. You may be in the hospital or an outpatient clinic when the tube is inserted. You may get medicine that relaxes you or puts you in a light sleep. The area being worked on will be numb. The doctor will make a small cut, called an incision, between two of your ribs. The doctor will put the tube through the incision and into the space around your lungs.

The tube will stay in your chest until all or most of the fluid, blood, or air drains out. This may take a few days. Your doctor may attach the tube to a machine that can help the space around your lungs drain better.

While the tube is in your chest, you won't be able to be very active. Your doctor may want you to stay in the hospital to get help with your chest tube, or you may be able to care for it at home.

Activity

• Have your child rest when they feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help your child recover.
• Encourage your child to walk each day. Your child can start by walking a little more than the day before. Bit by bit, help your child increase the amount they walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation.
• Your child should not ride a bike, play running games, or take part in gym class until the doctor says it is okay.
• How soon your child can return to a normal routine depends on what health problems your child has. Talk with your doctor about how long it will take your child to recover.
• Your child may shower after the bandage is removed. Pat the cut (incision) dry. Do not let your child take a bath for 2 weeks after the chest tube is out, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
• Help your child practice deep breathing exercises as directed by your doctor. Coughing exercises also can help drain fluid out of the chest.

Diet

• Your child can eat a normal diet. If your child's stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
• Have your child drink plenty of fluids (unless the doctor says not to).

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart any medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about your child taking any new medicines.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child's prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• Give antibiotics as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.

Incision care

• Keep the incision dry as it heals. Your child will have a bandage over the incision to help it heal and to protect it. The doctor will tell you how to take care of this.

Other instructions

• Keep your child away from smoke. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke around your child or in your house. Smoking makes lung problems worse.