Tube feeding, also known as enteral nutrition, is a medical procedure that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach or small intestine through a flexible tube. This method is used when individuals are unable to consume adequate nutrition orally due to medical conditions. Tube feeding can be either short-term or long-term, depending on the patient’s needs and medical condition.
Tube feeding plays a critical role in healthcare by ensuring patients receive the necessary nutrients to maintain or regain health. It is essential for patients who cannot eat by mouth due to medical conditions such as neurological disorders, cancer treatments, or severe gastrointestinal issues. By providing customized nutrition support, tube feeding helps prevent malnutrition and promote healing and recovery in diverse patient populations.
Furthermore, tube feeding is vital in pediatric care, where it supports growth and development in children with feeding difficulties. It is also employed in palliative care settings to improve the quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses. Given its versatile application, tube feeding is a cornerstone of supportive care in both acute and chronic healthcare settings.