Tube Feeding Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tube Feeding?

Tube feeding, also known as enteral nutrition, is a way of delivering nutrition directly into the stomach or small intestine through a tube. It is used when a person cannot eat enough food orally.

Who needs Tube Feeding?

Tube feeding is often needed for individuals with swallowing disorders, neurological conditions, severe malnutrition, gastrointestinal disorders, or following certain surgeries. It makes sure they receive the necessary nutrients to maintain health and support recovery. Tube feeding can be short term, long term, used in combination with eating via the mouth or as the sole source of nutrition.

What types of feeding tubes are there?

Common types of feeding tubes include nasogastric (NG) tubes, gastrostomy (G-tubes), and jejunostomy (J-tubes). NG tubes go through the nose to the stomach, G-tubes are placed directly into the stomach through the abdomen, and J-tubes go into the small intestine - examples of these are PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) and PEJ (percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy). The P and E explain the way the tube was placed.

Can I still eat and drink normally with a feeding tube?

This depends on your specific condition and multidisciplinary teams recommendations. Often times there will be a Speech Pathologist, Dietitian, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Nurse, and Doctors to help you make this decision. Some people may be able to eat and drink normally in addition to tube feeding, while others may rely entirely on the tube for nutrition. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.

What types of formula are used for tube feeding?

Formulas vary based on nutritional needs and medical conditions. Standard formulas provide balanced nutrition, while specialized formulas may be required for certain conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease). If deemed appropriate, some people even use Blended Tube Feeds which are real feeds blended to use in the tube - we have a post on this HERE. Your dietitian can recommend the best formula for you.

What are the risks of tube feeding?

There are actually minimal risks to tube feeding. However, there are some things to be mindful of -  infections, tube dislodgement, aspiration (inhaling food into the lungs), and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea or constipation. These risks can be minimised by following proper procedures and maintaining good hygiene.

We hope you found this FAQ on tube feeding helpful! At Access Ability, we are committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to ensure you and your loved ones receive the best care possible. If you have any further questions or need personalised assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of experts.

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Thank you for reading! Together, we can make managing tube feeding easier and more effective.