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.
Choose appropriate sized spacer with mask (or mouthpiece if child is over 3 years with good technique and is not significantly short of breath).
Shake the inhaler well and remove cap.
Fit the inhaler into the opening at the end of the spacer.
Place mask over the child’s face or mouthpiece in their mouth ensuring a good seal
Press the inhaler once and allow the child to take 5 slow breaths between each dose or count to 10
Remove the inhaler and shake between every puff. Wait 1 minute between puffs.
Repeat steps 1 – 5 for subsequent doses
Plastic spacers should be washed before 1st use and every month as per manufacturer’s guidelines
