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Types of Enteral Feeding

Enteral feeding is done for patients unable to orally ingest foods. Enteral, or tube feeding, gives nutrition and hydration to patients. Many types of diseases, such as gastrointestinal disorders, neuromuscular disorders and cancer make swallowing food difficult. The gag reflex can cause choking and make the patient unable to catch his breath. Depending on the insertion of the tube, enteral feeding can be used for long-term or short-term care.

  1. Nasogastric Feeding

    • According to Healthline, nasogastric feeding uses a tube that is inserted into the stomach via the nose. In rare cases, a nasogastric tube is used for long-term care. Medications or liquid food can go directly to the patient's stomach in order to provide the nutrition necessary for developmental growth. In some instances, nasogastric tubing is used as a supplementary way of caloric intake, which means the patient can eat solid foods as well.

    Gastrostomy Feeding

    • A gastronomy tube is inserted into the abdomen to deliver nutrition into the stomach, as indicated by Medline Plus. A gastronomy tube can be used for long-term care. With a G-tube, two types of feedings are done: bolus and continuous feeding. A bolus feeding is similar to regular feeding patterns, with feedings lasting up to 30 minutes. Continuous feeding lasts longer and is usually done overnight.

    Jejunal Feeding

    • Jejunal feeding uses a tube placed into the jejunum, which is the middle part of the small intestine. Jejunal feeding is necessary when the patient is unable to use his gastrointestinal tract. In most instances, jejunal feeding is done for patients with a high risk of inhaling foods into the lungs. The jejunal tube bypasses the stomach, going directly into the intestine, which decreases the risk of aspiration.

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