G-Tube Infection: How to Care for Your Child

Even with the right care, the area around a G-tube can sometimes get infected. A child with a G-tube infection might have redness, warmth, soreness, and/or pus drainage around the tube. Some kids also get a fever. Usually, the infection is easy to treat with ointment or cream placed on the skin, or medicine given through the G-tube or mouth.

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

• If needed, you can give medicine for pain. If your health care provider says it is OK, use one of these medicines exactly as directed:

  • acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand)OR

  • ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin® or a store brand). Do not give to babies under 6 months old. 

• 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 appointment 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

• is not passing gas or having bowel movements 

• 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. This can happen when stomach liquid leaks onto the skin or when the tube is too tight on the skin.

• Equipment is not cleaned properly.

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