sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Feeding tube - infants: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help if your baby has trouble breathing, becomes blue or unusually difficult to wake, has a swollen or very painful abdomen, vomits green fluid or significant blood, has heavy bleeding, or becomes suddenly unwell during a tube feed.

    Stop the feed while getting help.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical advice if a newly placed gastrostomy comes out, especially before the channel between the stomach and skin has healed.

    Do not replace it unless you have been specifically trained and instructed to do so.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For routine advice, contact the feeding or surgical team if the tube repeatedly blocks, feeds become harder to give, the skin remains irritated, or your baby has ongoing vomiting, discomfort, or poor tolerance.

    Also call if you are uncertain about tube position or equipment.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Feeding tube - infants. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.