How to Stop Tube Feeding

Tube feedings are a way to provide proper nutrition to an individual who cannot obtain proper nutrition in the usual way. Feeding tubes are also placed in people who cannot swallow or have difficulty swallowing and are in danger of aspirating the food or liquids they try to swallow.  Terminating the use of feeding tube can be as simple as just stopping the feeding if it is no longer needed, but individuals with swallowing difficulties may require extensive training in the proper technique of how to swallow in a way that will prevent aspiration.

Things You'll Need

• Swallowing evaluation by a certified speech-language pathologist
• Food of a consistency recommended by swallowing evaluation

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Instructions

• 1

  Have a swallowing evaluation done to determine if there is any risk of aspiration during the swallowing process. The speech-language pathologist will determine what consistency the food eaten should be. With proper training in how to properly chew and swallow foods, a person may be able to progress from thickened liquids back to solid foods in a short time. The speech-language pathologist may also recommend a set of exercises to help strengthen the swallowing muscles.

• 2

  Determine if the feeding tube is ready to be removed or needs to remain in place for supplemental feedings.  Supplemental feedings may be needed if the individual cannot take in enough nutrition to sustain himself during the transition back to normal eating.  If the tube is no longer needed, remove the nasogastric tube by pulling it slowly out of the nasal passage.  It may be more comfortable for the individual if he takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly as the tube is removed.  This expands the larynx and makes the tube pass through much more easily.  If the feeding tube to be removed is a peg or button-style tube, it is recommended that it be removed surgically, under general anesthesia, because of the large mushroom-shaped retaining button that is in the stomach to keep it in place.  Some physicians may remove the peg tube in their office simply by pulling it through the abdominal wall, without benefit of anesthesia, but this can be very painful to the individual.

• 3

  Give the individual some food of the proper consistency and monitor the person closely for signs of choking. The individual may only be able to tolerate a small amount of food during the first few days of resuming normal eating, but the amount the individual can eat should increase as he becomes accustomed to eating again.