Will Cough Syrup work in a Feeding Tube?
It’s that time of year again when coughs and colds are common, and odds are good you might need some cough syrup. Normally, you just take cough syrup by mouth and even though it doesn’t always taste good, it works to help relieve your symptoms, but what if you have a G Tube or GJ Tube?
Will cough syrup work in a feeding tube? As long as your doctor prescribes the cough syrup or recommends the dosing of an over-the-counter cough syrup, you can give it through a feeding tube.
What is the difference between regular cough syrup and all-natural cough syrup for kids?
Regular cough syrup typically contains drugs known as expectorants and decongestants. Expectorants help thin and loosen mucous in the lungs, and that makes it easier to cough them up. An expectorant does not lessen the urge to cough, it just makes it more productive. A decongestant will help dry up the mucous and lessen the urge to cough.
All-natural cough syrup, especially the kind for kids, does not contain expectorant or decongestants. Zarbee’s Naturals products do not contain drugs, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, or dyes. This is a great alternative if your child is allergic to certain ingredients or has the tendency to get unpleasant side effects.
Can a Child under 2 take cold medicine or cough syrup?
The FDA recommends trying cool mist humidifiers, saline nose drops or sprays, nasal suctioning, and alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen (Motrin).
The FDA also warns parents not to try homeopathic products on children under 4, due to possible serious side effects.
How to use cough syrup in a Feeding Tube
If you are using a doctor prescribed cough syrup (over the counter or pharmacy filled), you will need to measure out the dosage correctly with a syringe. Then you can inject the syrup into the feeding tube. I recommend flushing the tube with warm or room temperature water, because cough syrup is sticky, and it can cause a clog if it is left in the tube. The medicine will be absorbed in the stomach and the active ingredients will start working within 15-30 minutes.
If you are using an over-the-counter all-natural cough syrup, I would not recommend putting in the feeding tube. These cough syrups work by soothing the throat and do not contain any drugs that need to be absorbed by the body, in order to work.
When should you take your Tubie to the Doctor?
This list is not all inclusive, but these symptoms will need to be checked out to see if this is really a cough or something more serious.
- Fever of 102 degrees
- Blue Lips
- Labored breathing or difficulty breathing/ shortness of breath
- Severe headache that does not lessen with medicine
- Signs of dehydration and not tolerating tube feedings
- excessive whining, sleeplessness, or overly sleepy
- Ear pain that is persistent
- If your child has been sick for a few days and does not seem to be getting better
Always check with your specialists and other medical staff if there are any symptoms that they want to see you immediately for, that is specific to your diagnosis.
