Get 10% Off*, Use Code: HPD10
Day
:
:
Online since 2002 | +1 866-316-0162
Get 10% Off*, Use Code: HPD10
Enteral feeding is the process of delivery of nutritional food complete with carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, water, fat and vitamins. Enteral feeding is achieved via devices known as feeding tubes which deliver the food through different parts of the body.
A feeding tube is inserted into the stomach through the nasal passage (nasoenteric feeding) or the abdomen (enterostomy feeding) to supply nutritional food to patients who find it difficult to eat normally. Feeding tubes are used for both adults as wells as children.
If you cannot eat in the usual way, you may not get enough nutrition for good health. For example, you may need tube feeding if:
You cannot swallow safely because you have a disease or injury that affects your mouth or throat, such as cancer or stroke
You are receiving medical treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or have an illness that temporarily makes it hard for you to eat enough food
A dietitian calculates the amounts of vitamins, minerals, fluids, and calories you need each day. Then he or she will choose the right formula to satiate those needs. The formula can be bought at a storeor can be made at home.
Formulas may be delivered in two ways:
Bolus feedings are large doses given several times a day just like eating a meal. It can be pushed through the tube by a pumpor a syringe may be used.
Continuous feedings deliver small amounts of formula through the tube over a period of several hours or continuously all the time.
There are a number of feeding tubes depending on their usage and the place they are used at:
They are surgically placed from the skin directly through the abdomen and into the stomach
They are placed through the nose andinto the stomach
They are placed through the nose to the duodenum (first part of the intestines)
They are placed through the nose to the jejunum (second part of the small intestines)
They are placed through the skin, directly into the abdomen and till the jejunum (second portion of the small intestines)
They are surgically placed through thestomach to the jejunum (second part of the small intestines) bypassing the duodenum (first part of the intestines)
As the tubes are soft and flexible they can be placed in several ways:
The tube will be gently inserted through the nose or the mouth up till the stomach or past the stomach and until the small intestine by trained caregivers. Nasogastric tubes are used when the required feeding period is brief (for a few days or a week).
Firstly an anesthetic is given to numb the region of placement. Then the tube is placed into the belly through a thin incision. It is kept in place using a balloon or a rubber cap. Gastrostomy tubes are more comfortable than their counterparts and are hence used when the feeding process is to be conducted for a long period of time.
Although tube feeding can save lives, it majorly alters one’s life too. A person using a feeding tube has to adapt to a new lifestyle and the kind of social life one lives daily also changes drastically. The profession a person follows, or their hobbies and interests also have to be arranged and accommodated around tube feeding.
But one important fact that a person using tube feeding has to know that there are hundreds of other people just like them that have adapted and changed their lives accordingly. There are a number of social groups and organizations where one can go and discuss their lives with people going through the same problems.
Feeding tubes are an important invention for people that have been suffering from problems while eating normally since ages. Today modern technology has helped us in created tubes that lessen the discomfort of the user and enhance their way of life even while suffering from a disorder or a disease.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
HPFY Staff Writers are product experts with years of experience in medical supplies and equipment retail. They specialize in understanding the typical usage of our products, the differentiation between brands and have insights on product popularity and features. Each article ...
How To Increase Iron Levels Quickly
It’s a question that must have puzzled you like many others. Iron is essential in hemoglobin production and its inadequate levels can negatively impact your health. Dive into this informative article to explore top iron-rich foods that can help you fight iron deficiency.
10 Best Coccyx Cushions for Tailbone Pain
If you're like most people, you spend about 8 to 10 hours sitting every day. However unhealthy, it is part of life for many, and can cause tailbone pain. Coccyx cushions can help alleviate this pain. Click to read more and find the perfect coccyx cushion for your tailbone pain.
5+ Best Adult Diapers for Fecal Incontinence
Dealing with fecal incontinence can be challenging, but you're not alone. Read this article and navigate through discreet and effective solutions that help you manage fecal incontinence and let you live life on your terms with confidence and comfort.
Top 5 Best Reviewed Nebulizers of 2024
Need an effective and affordable nebulizer? Look no further, in this article we offer 5 of our best reviewed nebulizers that are loved by our customers. Click to read more and find the perfect nebulizer for all your respiratory needs.
10 Best Penis Pumps For Erectile Dysfunction
For anyone dealing with erectile dysfunction, penis pumps serve as a great way to manage it. But with so many products available, determining the best one for your needs can be challenging. To assist you in refining your choices and making an informed decision, here are our top 10 options, recognized for their effectiveness and safety.
