Smith College

GI intolerance, including unexplained abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or significant abdominal distention, is common during the early and late acute phases of critical illness.

Countermeasures that can be taken if there is GI intolerance:
- Prokinetics to enhance motility
- If there is delayed gastric emptying, enteral formula should not be concentrated
- Feeding volume or rate can be reduced and formulas with the proper nutrients can also be considered if there is abdominal distension or diarrhea
- If GI intolerance persists, postpyloric feeding can be considered


The Challenge of GI Intolerance

Aguila, E., Cua, I., Fontanilla, J., Yabut, V., & Causing, M. (2020). Gastrointestinal Manifestations of COVID-19: Impact on Nutrition Practices. Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 35(5), 800–805. https://doi.org/10.1002/ncp.10554

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