Tube Feeding Side Effects & What to Do (Practical Guide)
Introduction
Tube feeding helps provide the calories, protein, and hydration needed for healing. But even with a good feeding plan, it’s common to experience symptoms that can feel frustrating or uncomfortable.
The good news?
Most side effects have simple solutions when your feeding schedule, formula, or hydration is adjusted correctly.
This guide explains the most common tube feeding symptoms and what you can do right now.
1. Nausea
Why it happens
Feeding rate too fast
Formula too rich
Air in tube
Not enough water flushes
What to do
✔ Slow the feeding rate
✔ Try a different formula type (especially peptide or semi-elemental)
✔ Add water flushes before and after feeding
✔ Sit upright during and for 30 minutes after feeding
Call your provider if: vomiting occurs or nausea worsens suddenly.
2. Diarrhea
Why it happens
Rapid feeding rate
High-osmolality formula
Infection or antibiotics
Lack of fiber in formula
What to do
✔ Add a fiber formula or mixed fiber
✔ Reduce rate for 24–48 hours
✔ Ask your provider about switching to peptide-based formula
✔ Avoid cold formula — room temp is gentlest
3. Constipation
Why it happens
Not enough hydration
Low fiber formula
Certain medications
Inactivity
What to do
✔ Increase water flushes
✔ Add a fiber formula or fiber supplement
✔ Increase movement and upright sitting time
Tip: Constipation is treated with fluid first, not more formula.
4. Bloating or fullness
Why it happens
Formula rate too fast
Large bolus feeds
Gas buildup
Slow gastric emptying
What to do
✔ Switch to smaller, more frequent feedings
✔ Reduce rate 10–20 mL/hr
✔ Try overnight feeding instead of large daytime boluses
5. Reflux
Why it happens
Formula backs up into esophagus
Lying flat during feeding
Too much volume at once
What to do
✔ Keep head elevated to 30–45 degrees
✔ Switch to continuous feeding
✔ Reduce bolus volumes
6. Dehydration
Signs to watch for:
Headache
Fatigue
Rapid heartbeat
Dark urine
What to do
✔ Add scheduled water flushes at set times
✔ Ask dietitian for hydration plan (mL per day)
7. When to call your provider
Call immediately for:
Fever
Vomiting blood
Feeding tube leaking around the site
Rapid weight loss
Unable to tolerate formula
These symptoms need medical attention — do not wait.
Working with Nutrition Support Rx
I specialize in troubleshooting tube feeding symptoms and improving comfort for patients at home, in care facilities, or post-discharge.
I provide:
Formula review
Rate adjustments
Hydration plans
Written recommendations for physicians
Coordination with suppliers
Ready to feel better?
👉 Schedule an appointment
👉 Fax referrals securely: (559) 472-7551
👉 Ask a question (HIPAA-secure email)
Serving Clovis, Fresno, Madera, and the Central Valley.
