Getting started with your feeding tube

Getting Started with Your Feeding Tube  

Hi, I'm Helen and I'm going to share an overview about tube feeding and the steps you'll want to follow for the best results. The information here is broken down into 5 sections. You can jump to anyone at any time using the chapters below. 

Step 1: Learning about tube feeding  

Feeding tubes are used to deliver liquid or blenderized food or formula directly into your stomach or intestine to help you get the nutrition you need. Tubes can reach your stomach or intestines through your nasal passage or through your abdomen. The ones in the abdomen are inserted through a surgical incision called a stoma. This type of tube will be secured to your abdomen and initially covered with sterile gauze. Your tube may also have a round, triangular or rod shaped external bolster that helps keep the tube in place. 

Step 2: Formula safety and storage 

Now a few tips on formula storage. Be sure that you store your formula and other supplies in a cool, dry place like a cupboard or a closet. Check the expiration date on the formula before you use it, and don't mix new formula with one that's already been opened. Whenever you have leftover formula, cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Don't keep any open formula more than 24 hours. If you're using a feeding bag and ready to feed liquid formula, only put in enough for 12 hours at a time. If you're using powdered formula that's mixed with water or breast milk, only put in enough for four hours at a time. If the formula looks or smells unusual, don't use it. You'll want to contact Coram right away to find out what to do next. 

Step 3: Cleaning the site around your feeding tube clean 

Now we'll cover how to keep the site around your feeding tube clean. First, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, rinse and then dry your hands with a clean towel. If you're cleaning the site right after your initial tube placement surgery, carefully remove any gauze and tape from around the tube after you've been told it's safe to do so. 

What if you see a little drainage or crusting? Don't worry, that's normal for several days after your tube is first placed. Then every day you'll want to use clean gauze or soft cloth with soap and water to gently clean around the tube site using outward circles. You can even do this while you're in the shower, just be sure to rinse well and pat dry. Never use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your stoma. They're much too harsh for the tender tissue in the area. Bath soap and water is always best. Also, unless recommended by a clinician, don't use ointments around the tube site. Whether you've had your tube for two days or 200, be sure to check the area around your tube site every day. If you notice any redness, pain, swelling, or unusual drainage, call Coram right away. 

Step 4: How to handle clogged feeding tubes 

Now, what if you can't properly flush or feed because the water or formula won't flow through your tube? There's a chance it might be clogged, so let's talk about how to fix that. First, check for issues that might make it seem like there's a clog. 

Is there a bend OR kink in the tube? Did you forget to unclamp your tube? Or sometimes crushed or liquid medication given through the feeding tube can cause the issue. 

To try and loosen the clog, fill your syringe with warm water. Connect the tube port and firmly but gently push in a small amount of water and then close the port. Let the water sit in your tube for 10 minutes, then firmly but gently push and pull the plunger in a rocking motion to loosen the clock. 

Repeat these steps as needed until you can flush the water through. If the tube is still clogged, call Coram to discuss what to do next. 

Just remember, for the future, flushing your tube before and after every feeding or medication administration is the best way to prevent clogs. 

Step 5: When to call your doctor 

We're always here for you, but there may be some situations where you should call your doctor instead. 

If you feel pain when feeding or notice that your abdomen is distended, or swollen. If there’s any irritation or bleeding at the tube site that’s unrelated to hypergranulation, or new tissue growth as your stoma heals.  

If you’re concerned that the tube has become dislodged or if it’s no longer in the right place.  

Call your doctor… 

If there’s blood in your stool or you experience severe vomiting.  

If you’re coughing or choking during the tube feeding. 

If you have a fever or signs of severe dehydration, including low urine output.  

If you have nausea or heartburn that doesn’t resolve with feeding or positioning adjustments.  

If you have chronic constipation or diarrhea that doesn’t resolve with feeding, fluid, or medication adjustments.  

If you're unsure, give us a call, we can help you decide. And if you think you're experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 911 right away. We understand this may be a lot to take in, but it won't be long until you feel more comfortable. 

And remember, as a Coram patient, our team is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

If you'd like to learn more about tube feeding, visit the Resource Center on our website at Coramhc.com. 

Thank you so much for watching today.