Question about trach care

[TeraNicole]

Hey guys. I did Zachary's trach care tonight and it looked like blood on his drain sponge. Has anyone seen this before? He's never had blood on it before but it also looked like he had some tissue spots around his stoma. He's never had that either, it looks like it just came up today. Is that granulation tissue? Should I call his ENT? Any advice is greatly appreciated. I cleaned it really well and will see what happens before he goes to bed.

Thanks!!

[Jacob's Mom]

I have seen blood on Jacob's drain sponge several times. It is usually when his trach gets pulled too hard or something. However, a few times it has been like you mentioned. I apply a steroid cream, like Cortaid, or some liquid drops that Jacob's ENT gave us to the stoma. His never gets out of control, so we have never pursued further treatment for it. I would say if it isn't clear in a few days or if it gets worse to call the ENT and at least get some advice over the phone.

Good luck!

[Triciasmom]

I have a very active child, and we see blood on her drainage sponge a few times a month. Usually we can relate it to physical activity. The trachea is a very tender area of tissue and can easily be nicked and bleed. Usually it is seen and then gone the next change. Occasionally it is a sign of infection and we treat it with Gentamiacin drops which our ENT prescribed and we keep on hand. I can't speak about the tissue spots, as I am not sure what you are seeing.

I would say, that if you are uncomfortable with what you are seeing, call the ENT and ask.

Godspeed

Clare

[TeraNicole]

Thanks for the replies. I looked last night and nothing else and the nurse this am said it was clean again so I guess it was just something like maybe it got pulled a little the wrong way yesterday or something. Who knows! He did have therapy yesterday so maybe then. He's okay now. Im going to wait till Monday and if the tissue doesnt look better I'll call his ENT. Thanks!