Feeding tube insertion - gastrostomy: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, collapse, heavy bleeding, or severe and worsening abdominal pain, especially with a hard or swollen abdomen.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your healthcare team urgently if:
The tube comes out, moves noticeably, or cannot be used
Feed or stomach fluid leaks heavily around it
You develop fever with increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus
Pain worsens instead of improving
You repeatedly vomit or cannot tolerate feeds
The tube remains blocked after approved flushing steps
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Mild soreness, small amounts of early drainage, or supply questions can usually wait for routine follow-up unless they worsen.
The article also says
Do not push a dislodged tube back in unless specifically trained.
The opening can close quickly, and early replacement through a new tract can injure the abdomen.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Feeding tube insertion - gastrostomy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.