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How to Unclog a Feeding Tube

Introduction

Over half a million Americans rely on a feeding tube for proper nutrition, myself included. Although these are lifesaving tools, they are not infallible. Often, they become clogged even with proper maintenance. This guide will provide home solutions on how to fix a clogged tube, hopefully saving one's self an arduous trip to the hospital.

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  1. How to Unclog a Feeding Tube, How to Unclog a Feeding Tube: étape 1, image 1 de 1

    • Test your tube. Use a 35ml plunger to test your tube, just to confirm it is clogged.

    • Exert a decent amount of force.

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  2. How to Unclog a Feeding Tube: étape 2, image 1 de 1

    • Massage the tube. Roll the tubing in between your fingers and “massage” it.

    • The clog may be in the external tubing and doing so may break it up.

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  3. How to Unclog a Feeding Tube: étape 3, image 1 de 1

    • Switch to a smaller plunger. Start using a 10ml plunger.

    • The smaller the plunger, the more pressure is exerted.

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  4. How to Unclog a Feeding Tube: étape 4, image 1 de 1

    • Flush hot water. Fill your 10ml plunger (and extension tubing, if applicable) with hot water. As hot as you can safely tolerate. Use this to flush your tube.

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  6. How to Unclog a Feeding Tube: étape 5, image 1 de 1

    • Pulsate. Pulsate the 10ml plunger back and forth, in quick motion. This helps to dismantle the clog.

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  7. How to Unclog a Feeding Tube: étape 6, image 1 de 1

    • Flush a combination of hot water and meat tenderizer. If your tube is still clogged, fill your 10ml plunger (and extension tubing, if applicable) with a combination of hot water and meat tenderizer.

    • The tenderizer is known to break up clogs.

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  8. How to Unclog a Feeding Tube: étape 7, image 1 de 1

    • Pulsate. Pulsate the 10ml plunger once again, in a quick motion.

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  9. How to Unclog a Feeding Tube: étape 8, image 1 de 1

    • Flush Coca-Cola. If your tube is still clogged, fill your 10ml plunger (and extension tubing, if applicable) with Coca-Cola. Flush your tube.

    • Regular coke is the best for breaking up clogs due to its carbonation levels.

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  10. How to Unclog a Feeding Tube: étape 9, image 1 de 1

    • Pulsate, then let Coca-Cola sit. Pulsate the 10ml plunger once again, in a quick motion. If the clog persists, allow the Coke to sit in your tube.

    • You may leave the Coke in your tube for up to one hour.

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  11. How to Unclog a Feeding Tube: étape 10, image 1 de 1

    • Test your feeding tube. It should flush easily.

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Conclusion

The hope is to successfully unclog the feeding tube at home. Of course, always contact your health care physician in times of concern.

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Jaquie Beckwith

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USF Sarasota-Manatee, Team S1-G1, Stewart Spring 2018 Membre de l'équipe USF Sarasota-Manatee, Team S1-G1, Stewart Spring 2018

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Un commentaire

That is a very good, clear procedure to follow. Those steps are essentially what they might trying the ER. If these steps don't work, the tube probably needs to be replaced.

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