My child with tracheostomy fitted has a fever

This page is for parents/carers of children with a tracheostomy fitted when they have a fever, using a traffic light system (red, amber, green) to help you decide when and where to seek care for your child.

Use this page when your child with a fitted tracheostomy has a fever.

It is essential your child’s tracheostomy tube remains in place and clear of secretions or any blockages at all times.  We know emergency situations can happen, which you will be trained to manage before leaving hospital for the first time. These can be frightening, but your medical and nursing teams will make sure you have had many chances to practice and are confident in managing them safely until an ambulance arrives, if needed. Please use the tracheostomy emergency care and basic life support for children with a tracheostomy fitted pages for guidance.

If your child child:

  • Is difficult to rouse
  • Appears pale or floppy
  • Is struggling to breathe
  • Is less than 3 months of age and has a fever
  • Looks mottled
  • Has had no wet nappies or has not passed urine for 18 hours or more
  • Has abnormal movements, or appears irritable when touched
  • Oxygen levels are lower than normal on their monitor

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child:

  • Has a change in their behaviour that worries you
  • Is feeding less than usual
  • Has thicker, discoloured or copious tracheostomy secretions
  • Seems dehydrated (dry mouth/lips, dark circles under their eyes, drowsy, fewer wet nappies or passing urine less than normal)
  • Has a fever that doesn’t seem to respond to paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • Is 3-6 months of age and has a fever

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

If your child:

Has none of the above signs

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111

This guidance has been reviewed and adapted by healthcare professionals across North East and North Cumbria with consent from the Hampshire development groups.  

This guidance is written by healthcare professionals from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.