Bleeding from the Tracheotomy Tube
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Causes | How to Prevent | How to Handle Bright Red Bleeding l How to Handle Blood Streaked Mucus
What Causes Bleeding from the Trach
- Bright red blood coming from the tracheotomy tube is serious, and may be a sign of serious irritation or ulceration of the airway. Your child needs to be seen by a doctor right away.
- Bloody streaks in the mucus is also concerning, and may be from:
- Dry airway
- Frequent, deep, vigorous suctioning
- Infection
- Excessive coughing, especially with loose ties
- Irritation from the fit of the trach tube
- Trauma of the tube
- Foreign body in the airway
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How to Prevent Bleeding
- Keep regular check ups with the doctor to ensure the correct fit of the trach tube.
- Use the suctioning technique outlined in the section titled "Suctioning"
- Use humidification, as previously outline
- Seek early treatment of your child, if he / she shows signs of infection or increased coughing.
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How to Handle Bright Red Bleeding
- Call 911
- Stay calm
- Gently suction the length of the trach tube
- Use of saline to help soothe the airway and prevent plugging
- If the bleeding has subsided, use humidity until help arrives
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How to Handle Blood Streaked Mucus
- Gently suction the length of the trach tube
- Increase use of saline if indicated
- Wet the end of the tracheotomy tube with saline or water-based lubricant when changing the tracheotomy tube.
- Increase use of humidity
- Call your doctor for a check-up
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Rev 7/07
