What comes next after your chest tube is removed
Breathing and wound care advice from a trauma surgeon and a thoracic nurse
A chest tube removes air or blood that has built up around a lung. After a crash, you may have needed one because a lung collapsed or blood pooled in your chest. Taking the tube out is a big step. Still, the injury and the small hole it left need follow up care. A trauma surgeon checks that the lung stays inflated. A thoracic nurse helps you look after the site and do your breathing exercises. [1, 2]
Learn what the tests showed before you go
Ask what the tube drained. Find out if your last chest image looked good and whether you’ll need another one. Ask which symptoms are expected from your ribs or other injuries. Learn how your pain medicine should help you take deep breaths and cough. If pain keeps you from doing either one, tell your team. [1, 2]
Look after the opening the way you were shown
Follow your discharge instructions on how long to keep the dressing on, when to change it and when you can shower. Some mild soreness can happen. Redness or warmth that grows, pus, fever or a soaked dressing needs a check by your care team. Don’t seal the site with any product or take out stitches unless the team tells you to. [2, 3]
Take any breathing change seriously
Get emergency care for sudden or worsening shortness of breath, severe chest pain, fainting or blue lips. Call your treating team promptly for a fever, a cough that gets worse or more pain when you breathe. Stick with the breathing and walking plan you were given. Your exact limits depend on your lung injury and any other injuries from the crash. [1, 2]
Ask these before discharge
- Why did I need a chest tube, and is my lung inflated now?
- What’s my plan for the dressing and for showering?
- Will I need another chest image or a clinic visit?
Keep your follow up details handy
Sources and further reading
Use this as general background from trauma surgery and chest nursing. After a chest injury, breathing trouble that is new or getting worse needs urgent care.
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