Thoracentesis in Children: What to Expect at Home

Have your child rest when your child feels tired.

Allow your child's body to heal. Don't let your child move quickly or lift anything heavy until your child is feeling better.

Your child may shower. Your child should not swim or take a bath until the puncture site has healed, or until the doctor tells you it is okay.

Many children are able to return to normal activities within 1 or 2 days after the procedure.

Your child can eat a normal diet.

Your child should drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells your child not to).

Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart any medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about your child taking any new medicines.

If your child stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to have your child start taking it again.

Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

• If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.

• If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.

• Store your child's prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, give them as directed. Do not stop giving them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.

Wash the area daily with warm water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes fluid or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.

Keep the area clean and dry.

Your child passes out (loses consciousness).

Your child has severe trouble breathing.

Your child has sudden chest pain and shortness of breath or coughs up blood.

Your child has shortness of breath that is new or getting worse.

Your child has new or worse pain in the chest, especially when taking a deep breath.

Your child is sick to the stomach or can't keep fluids down.

Your child has a fever or chills.

Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your child's puncture site.

Your child has symptoms of infection, such as:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.

• Red streaks leading from the puncture site.

• Pus draining from the puncture site.

• A fever.

Your child coughs up a lot more mucus than normal, or the mucus changes color.