G-Tube Infection: How to Care for Your Child

A gastrostomy tube (G-tube) goes through the skin of the belly directly into the stomach. It can be a flat button (as shown below) or a long tube. Even with the right care, the area around a G-tube sometimes can get infected. Signs of an infection include redness, warmth, soreness, and/or pus drainage around the tube. Some kids also get a fever. Usually, an infection is easy to treat with ointment or cream placed on the skin, or medicine given through the G-tube or by mouth.

• Use the medicine prescribed by the health care provider as directed.

• If your child has pain and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) OR ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^® or a store brand). Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old. Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often.

• To care for the G-tube site:

  • Wash your hands well with soap and warm water before and after handling the G-tube and the area around it.

  • Gently clean the skin around the tube every day and as needed. Use warm water, soap, and a gauze pad. Rinse with warm water and dry the skin well with a clean towel.

  • Keep the area around the G-tube as dry as possible. If the health care provider told you to put gauze around the G-tube, make sure to change it often so that the skin stays dry.

• To help prevent infection, wash and dry any reusable supplies (such as syringes and the extension set) as described in the instructions that came with them. 

• Schedule a follow-up visit as directed.

Your child:

• Isn't getting better after 2–3 days of treatment

• Has redness spreading from the G-tube site

• Has symptoms that get worse

• Gets a fever again

• Has belly pain or swelling

• Can't poop or pass gas 

• Has vomiting or diarrhea

• Has new symptoms

• The G-tube comes out, and at least one of the following is true:

  • The G-tube was placed within the last 8 weeks.

  • You have not been trained to replace it.

  • You weren't able to replace it as you were trained.

• Your child has severe belly pain.

• Your child is vomiting and can't keep liquids down.

• Your child has any of these signs of dehydration:

  • A dry or sticky mouth

  • Peeing less

  • No tears when crying

  • Dizziness

  • Drowsiness

What can cause a G-tube infection? Kids can get an infection around the G-tube when:

• The skin around the tube gets irritated. 

• Equipment is not cleaned properly.

• Caregivers do not wash their hands before caring for the tube or the surrounding area.