Tube Feeding Complications

It may take time for your child’s gastrointestinal system to get used to tube-feeding at home; be patient
Sometimes conditions like constipation, dehydration, or diarrhea can prevent your child from getting proper nutrition while tube-feeding
Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse if they experience symptoms

Diarrhea
- Wait 30 to 60 minutes for the cramps or fullness to subside before starting a feeding
- Feed formula more slowly
- Administer only the prescribed volume of formula
- Allow formula to reach room temperature prior to feeding
Dehydration
- Talk to your child’s healthcare professional about getting extra water after or between feedings
- Ask your child’s healthcare provider if you should change the feeding schedule or formula
Constipation
- Add more fluids and have your child use the bathroom as soon as they feel the need to go
- Have your child be as active as possible
- Record the times of your child’s bowel movements and try to establish a daily routine
- Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about whether you should change your child’s medications
Recognize signs and symptoms associated with intolerance or dehydration:
- Stomach cramps
- Feeling of fullness and/or discomfort
- Increased thirst
- Dry lips
- Small amounts of dark, strong-smelling urine
- Hard stools that are difficult to pass
- Loss of appetite
Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse if they experience:
- Upset stomach that lasts 24 hours
- Signs of dehydration, including increased thirst or dry lips
- Unusual weakness
- Red, sore, or swollen tube site
- Tube clog that you can’t flush out with warm water
- Weight loss or gain of more than 2 pounds a week
- Vomiting
- Fever

Reference:

Managing tube-feeding complications at home