What is a chest tube?
• A chest tube is also known as chest drain or chest drainage tube. It is a plastic tube that is put through the front of your child’s chest to remove air, blood, or fluid from around your child’s lungs. The tube is placed during a procedure called a tube thoracostomy. The lungs are covered by two layers of tissue called pleura. Between these two layers is a small space called the pleural space. It normally contains a small amount of fluid, which helps your child’s lungs move easily when he breathes. • Certain diseases or conditions cause air, blood, or extra fluid to collect in the pleural space. This may lead to having increased pressure inside your child’s chest. Increased pressure may make the lung on that side collapse (deflate), making it hard for your child to breathe. Having a chest tube inserted allows his lung on that side to expand fully so he may breathe more easily. Your child may have a lung infection which is causing a fever. Having a chest tube may help decrease his fev
• A chest tube is also known as chest drain or chest drainage tube. It is a plastic tube that is put through the side of your chest. It is placed to remove air, blood, or fluid from around your lungs or heart. The lungs are covered by two layers of tissue called pleura. Between these two layers is a small space called the pleural space. It normally contains a small amount of fluid, which helps your lungs move easily when you breathe. • Certain diseases or conditions may cause air, blood, or extra fluid to collect in the pleural space. This may cause pressure to increase in your chest, and may cause one of your lungs to collapse (deflate). If this happens, you will have trouble breathing. A chest tube allows your lung to expand (inflate) so you may be able to breathe more easily. Why may I need a chest tube? You may need a chest tube for any of the following conditions: • Empyema: This is an abscess (infection with pus) that may form in your pleural space. • Hemothorax: When blood leaks
