When you adhere to the recommended portion sizes and administration rates, you’re much less likely to encounter issues like clogs, leaks, or aspiration.Ģ) Flush the tube after every feeding. One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of feeding tube problems is to carefully read and follow the instructions on your loved one’s feeding tube, formulas, and medications. There’s no way to prevent feeding tube problems entirely, but there are several things you can do as a caretaker to significantly reduce your loved one’s risk, including:ġ) Read and follow the instructions. How can I reduce the risk of feeding tube problems? Call your loved one’s physician for help or visit the nearest emergency room. There’s no easy way to fix this issue at home. People with low-profile gastrostomy tubes are more likely to experience tube dislodgement, a problem characterized by a feeding tube falling out. If your loved one experiences any of these symptoms, contact their primary care physician.įeeding tube dislodgement. As the infection gets worse, the stoma might also ooze blood or pus. ![]() Symptoms of infection include redness, inflammation, pain, and sensitivity. If you don’t regularly clean your care recipient’s feeding tube or their feeding tube fits loosely around their stoma, they might develop an infection. If that’s not possible, place a pillow behind your care recipient’s lower back to help lift them up. To reduce the risk of aspiration, it’s important to eat all meals and snacks sitting upright. Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or medication gets in your loved one’s airways as a result of tube feeding. If your loved one’s stoma continues leaking or the leakage occurs alongside abdominal pain, contact a doctor right away.Īspiration. Often, applying a gauze dressing or a barrier cream around the stoma is enough to absorb the moisture and prevent further issues. A feeding tube leak can occur in one of two specific areas –– at the end of the feeding tube itself or around the stoma (the opening in your care recipient’s abdomen that connects the feeding tube to their stomach and digestive tract).Īlmost everyone with a feeding tube experiences leaks occasionally. Flush your loved one’s feeding tube with at least one ounce of water before and after administering meals and snacks or medication.įeeding tube leaks. Thankfully, it’s possible to prevent most feeding tube blockages before they occur. What’s more, blockages increase the risk of other more serious issues, like an infection. ![]() If your care recipient’s feeding tube gets blocked or clogged, they won’t be able to get the vitamins, nutrients, and medication needed to live an active, vibrant life. That’s why it’s so important for family caregivers to know how to spot common PEG tube problems, including:įeeding tube blockages. Modern PEG tubes are discreet, comfortable, and relatively easy to maintain. Tube feeding has come a long way since it was first invented. What are some of the most common PEG tube problems?
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