Chest drains (paediatrics): information for parents

About chest drains

What is a chest drain?

A chest drain is a tube which is inserted between the ribs into the chest cavity. It does not go into the lungs itself. It is attached to a bottle to drain the fluid or air from the space around the lung. The bottle usually contains water, and the end of the drain is submerged in the water. The water acts as a valve, stopping air from re-entering the space where the drain is sitting.

Who needs a chest drain?

A chest drain is sometimes required if your child has a chest infection and is not recovering very well. A chest x-ray may show that they have fluid around the lung, making it difficult for them to breathe properly.

Inserting a chest drain and draining the fluid from around the lungs may speed your child’s recovery.

For how long will my child need the chest drain?

How long the chest drain is required will depend on how much fluid is drained and on your child’s condition. Usually the chest drain is removed after two to five days. It is unusual for it to be in for more than a week.

How will the chest drain be put in?

A chest drain is usually inserted in the operating theatre under a general anaesthetic. In an emergency it may be inserted with a local anaesthetic and sedation.

How will the chest drain be removed?

The chest drain can be removed by a nurse or doctor on the ward. Your child will require an x-ray following both the insertion and removal of the chest drain.

Special care

Your child can eat and drink normally with the chest drain in place.

Having the chest drain in place may be uncomfortable, but nursing staff can give pain relief. If your child is experiencing any pain, please tell your nurse.

Your child will be able to move around in bed and eventually be able to walk around on the ward.

Children are not allowed to leave the ward whilst the drain is in position, unless accompanied by a member of staff.

Important information about the care of the drain and bottle

• The chest drain should never be raised above the level of your child’s chest.
• Your child should get in and out of bed on the same side as the chest drain bottle.
• Avoid kinking the tubing, for example, when your child is turning in bed.
• Avoid swinging the drainage bottle.
• Avoid carrying the bottle by the tubing.
• The drainage bottle should remain upright.
• Inform a member of nursing staff if the drainage bottle is knocked over.

When moving around the room or ward, always remember to take the chest drain bottle with you.

Suction

Your child’s chest drain may be attached to gentle wall suction to encourage the drainage of the fluid. This means that your child will not be able to move far from their bed space.

Are there any long-term complications?

There are not usually any long-term complications following insertion of the chest drain. Your child may have a small scar where the drain was inserted. This will fade over time.

Your child will be followed up in the outpatient’s clinic by medical staff until they are happy with your child’s condition.