Enteral feeding, often referred to as tube feeding, is a form of nutrition where food is delivered directly to the stomach or small intestine. As a leader in Geelong disability equipment and support services, Fair Go Access has extensive knowledge of enteral feeding, and we can help you through this process. Keep reading to learn more about enteral tube feeding.
What is Enteral Feeding?
Enteral tube feeding is food intake through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the mouth, oesophagus, stomach and small/large intestines. Tube feeding is used to deliver nutrition straight to the GI tract when someone cannot consume regular food by mouth due to a health condition or injury. Often, those with neurological or movement disorders receive their full caloric intake by enteral feeding, although it may also be used as a supplement in some cases.
What Are Different Types of Enteral Feeding?
There are six main types of tube feeding to keep in mind for effective nutrition, and medical professionals will select the best option based on individual needs. Digestive abilities, tube size and length of enteral feeding all play a role in setting up a safe and effective tube feeding system.
- Orogastric tubes (OGT) send food through the mouth to the stomach.
- Nasogastric tubes (NGT) begin in the nose and end in the stomach.
- Nasoentric tubes run from the nose to the intestines and include nasoduodenal and nasojejunal tubes.
- Oroenteric tubes deliver nutrition from the mouth to the intestines.
- Gastrostomy tubes are placed through the abdomen skin to the stomach, including PRG, PEG and button tubes.
- Jejunostomy tubes, such as PRJ and PEJ tubes, deliver food via the skin of the abdomen to the intestines.
Why is Enteral Feeding Used?
Tube feeding resources can help loved ones and carers better understand different enteral feeding options and why they may be necessary. Enteral feeding is important for people with movement disorders or neurological conditions that make it difficult to eat via the mouth. Those with serious illnesses such as cancer or impaired swallowing from stroke or injury may require enteral feeding, too.
Access Trusted Tube Feeding Resources in Geelong
Fair Go Access is here to help with special needs support services across Geelong. Please contact us for more information on tube feeding and disability equipment.
