What if...?

Action

My child feels sick and has stomach cramps

• Check the rate of feeding. You may need to slow down the feeding rate.
• The feed may be too cold. Let the feed reach room temperature before giving it to your child.

My child has diarrhea

• Check the rate of feeding. You may need to slow down the feeding rate.
• If diarrhea continues, contact your doctor.

My child is vomiting

• Check the rate of feeding. You may need to slow down the feeding rate. If you are using commercially-prepared feeds, always check the expiration date.
• The feed may be too cold. Let the feed reach room temperature before giving it to your child.
• If your child is still vomiting after you have tried the above contact your doctor.

My child’s stomach is swollen and hard after feeding

• ‘Vent’ (or remove air) the stomach. Attach an empty syringe to the tube to allow air to escape.

The gastrostomy tube or button
seems to be blocked

• This may be due to inadequate flushing or a very thick feed or medication. Try flushing the tube with warm water, cranberry juice or coke and hold the tube high so the water moves more easily.

The gastrostomy site seems red or is bleeding, oozing, irritated or swollen and my child has a temperature

• Check the site around the gastrostomy button daily.
• Clean if the feed or medication comes into contact with your child's skin.
• If the site remains irritated, you may need to use a soft dressing to absorb ooze and act as a barrier.
• If your child has a temperature, contact your doctor.

Stomach contents seem to be leaking through the button

• The anti-reflux valve may be stuck or broken. This usually indicates that it is time to change the button.

The button or gastrostomy tube
falls out

• If you haven't been shown how to change the tube, insert a spare naso-gastric or gastrostomy tube into the stoma to stop it closing up. Take your child to your local hospital so that a new device can be inserted.