What is enteral feeding?
Enteral feeding (also called tube feeding) is a method of providing nutrition directly into the stomach or small intestine through a feeding tube. This method is used when a person is unable to eat enough food by mouth, either due to a medical condition or a functional impairment.
Enteral feeding can be short-term, such as during a period of illness or recovery from surgery, or it can be long-term, such as for people with chronic conditions that make it difficult to eat.
There are different types of enteral feeding tubes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of tube that is used depends on the individual's needs and the reason for the feeding. Some of the most common types of enteral feeding tubes include:
* Nasogastric (NG) tube: This type of tube is inserted through the nose and into the stomach. NG tubes are often used for short-term feeding.
* Orogastric (OG) tube: This type of tube is similar to an NG tube, but it is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. OG tubes are also often used for short-term feeding.
* Gastrostomy (G) tube: This type of tube is surgically placed directly into the stomach. G tubes are used for long-term feeding.
* Jejunostomy (J) tube: This type of tube is surgically placed directly into the jejunum, which is the middle section of the small intestine. J tubes are used for long-term feeding.
Enteral feeding can provide several benefits, including:
* Improved nutritional status: Enteral feeding can help people who are unable to eat enough food by mouth to maintain a healthy weight and meet their nutritional needs.
* Reduced risk of complications: Enteral feeding can help reduce the risk of complications associated with malnutrition, such as infections, pressure sores, and delayed wound healing.
* Improved quality of life: Enteral feeding can help improve quality of life by allowing people to remain more independent and active.
Enteral feeding is a safe and effective way to provide nutrition to people who are unable to eat enough food by mouth. However, there are some potential risks associated with enteral feeding, such as:
* Infection: The feeding tube can provide a pathway for bacteria to enter the body, which can lead to infection.
* Aspiration: Food or liquid can accidentally enter the lungs during feeding, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
* Diarrhea: Enteral feeding can cause diarrhea in some people.
* Constipation: Enteral feeding can cause constipation in some people.
The risks associated with enteral feeding can be minimized by following proper feeding procedures and by working closely with a healthcare team.