Feeding tube side effects and complications

Every feeding tube comes with some side effects, and knowing which ones are ordinary versus which ones need prompt attention takes a lot of the worry out of daily life. Most of what comes up is common and manageable. A smaller set needs quick action — and this guide helps you tell them apart.

Common and manageable

These come up often and usually improve with small changes you and your care team can make together:

• Nausea and bloating. Often eased by slowing the feed rate, smaller or more spread-out feeds, and sitting more upright.
• Diarrhea or constipation. Both are common. See what helps with constipation; for diarrhea, your team may adjust the formula, rate, or your medicines.
• Reflux. Keeping your head and chest raised during and after feeds, and not lying flat, helps a lot.
• Mild site irritation. A little redness or clear drainage right at the opening is common, especially early — see caring for your site.
• Clogs. A blocked tube is common and usually clears with warm water — here's how to fix a clog.

The theme with everyday side effects is that small adjustments — feed rate, position, hydration, flushing — fix most of them. Your care team can help you fine-tune.

Signs that need prompt help

Some problems shouldn't wait. Get help promptly for:

• Trouble breathing or signs of aspiration — coughing, choking, or difficulty breathing during or after a feed, sometimes with a fever afterward. This is an emergency.
• An infected site — spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, a bad smell, or fever.
• A dislodged or displaced tube — one that has come out or moved. This is time-sensitive — see what to do if your tube falls out.
• Severe pain or persistent vomiting, a hard or swollen belly, or vomit that looks or smells like stool.

When to call your care team

Call your team promptly for anything that's new, worsening, or not improving with the usual steps — including a site that's getting redder, feeds you can't keep down, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, or a tube that leaks or won't flush. They'd far rather hear from you early than have you wait it out.

Get emergency help if

Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if there is:

• Trouble breathing, choking, or coughing that won't stop during or after a feed — possible aspiration
• Severe pain or a hard, swollen belly
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding from the site
• Someone who looks very unwell, confused, or is hard to wake

None of this means you did anything wrong — side effects come with the territory, and knowing the plan is what keeps you safe. For the bigger picture, start with Feeding tubes made simple.