My brother-in-law is fed through a g-tube in his stomach. He starts coughing and gagging sometimes almost as soon as we start feeding him but other times half way through or right at the end of the feeding. He has a very pained look on his face when this happens but he also causes the food to flow out of the syringe at times or clogs his tube. Is there anything that can be done to help with this? We have changed his food one time and changed his feeding schedule but so far it has not made a big difference. It seems to be getting worse. Thanks for any advice or suggestions.
This procedure creates a physical barrier. Remember that acid reflux damages the mucosal lining of the esophagus. Then contents can come up higher and higher. It can occur to the point that reflux enters the lungs causing tissue damage. If it happens while sleeping, the person may wake up gasping for breath. Acid reflux causes the vocal folds to spasm shut, which closes the airway.
Anyone with a g-tube needs conscientious oral hygiene 3 to 4 times a day. Poor oral hygiene is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia, bacteria from the mouth can enter the lungs.
The average PCP does not recognize the value of a fundoplication. You must find an experienced surgeon.
Just some thoughts - is he sitting upright or does he at least have the bed elevated? What does his healthcare team have to say?