Common questions / 04/01/2021

What do you do if your PEG tube is blocked?

What to do when your tube is clogged: Warm water is often effective and should be front line treatment. ° 60 mL syringe filled with lukewarm water ° Do not try to force the water in, gently and firmly push and pull the plunger back and forth. ° Clamp the tube for 20 minutes allowing the water to “soak”.

How do you clear a clogged feeding tube?

Push the water into your tube with a 60 mL syringe.

Gently push and pull the plunger to loosen the clog.
If the clog doesn’t release right away, clamp your tube and let the water “soak” for 15 minutes.
Try gently massaging the tubing with your fingertips.
Unclamp the tube and repeat steps 1 through 5.

What causes PEG tube blockage?

PEG blockages occurs in about 20% of cases (McClave and Neff, 2006) and are mainly caused by inadequate flushing regimens after administration of feed and medicines (McClave and Neff, 2006; British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and British Pharmaceutical Nutrition Group, 2003).

How do you unblock a gastrostomy?

To unblock the gastrostomy tube, flush it with 10 – 20 mL of a carbonated drink such as mineral water or diet cola. Sometimes the blockage can be aspirated out using a syringe.

How much water should you flush a PEG tube with?

Always flush your feeding tube with 60 mL of water before and after you take each medication. This will prevent clogging.

How often should I flush my PEG tube?

Flush tube with 30 ml of water at least once a day. You may shower 24-48 hours after tube placement.

What should I use to unclog a PEG tube?

Also, always use warm water when dealing with peg tubes. It will help dissolve your meds better, it will flush and remove any built up gunk better, and it will feel better for your patient. I’ve used carbonated drinks like Coke even though it’s not advised but I’ve seen GI docs do it.

Is there evidence for PEG feeding in stroke patients?

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) develops evidence based clinical practice guidelines for… Endoscopic management of enteral tubes in adult patients – Part 1: Definitions and indications. European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline (PDF)

How is the enteral tube used for stroke patients?

Enteral tube feeding for dysphagic stroke patients Enteral feeding tubes, a nasogastric tube (NGT) or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), are commonly used to provide nutrition, hydration and essential medications to stroke patients who cannot swallow.

When to start a tube feeding after a stroke?

Early tube feeding is associated with improved survival after stroke and it is recommended that patients start tube feeding within 24 hours of hospital admission. NGT feeding is the preferred method for short-term feeding in the acute phase of stroke as it has the advantage of being easily placed at the bedside.

What should I do if my PEG tube becomes clogged?

If your PEG tube becomes clogged, try to unclog it as soon as you can. Flush your PEG tube with a 60 mL syringe filled with warm water. Never use a wire to unclog the tube. A wire can poke a hole in the tube. Your healthcare provider may have you use a medicine or a plastic brush to help unclog your tube.

What should I do if my feeding tube is clogged?

If the patient’s feeding tube becomes clogged, attempt to unclog it before replacing it, which is both costly and uncomfortable for the patient. Belief that carbonated beverages or cranberry juice will unclog a feeding tube is a persistent nursing myth.

How does a PEG tube work and how does it work?

An intermittent feeding is scheduled for certain times throughout the day. Continuous feedings run all the time. The following are types of PEG tube systems: A feeding syringe helps liquid food to flow steadily into the PEG tube. The syringe is connected to the end of the PEG tube.