Enteral feeding is a medical term referring to a method of providing nutrition and hydration to patients who are unable to consume food orally. This therapeutic technique involves the delivery of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through a tube or catheter, bypassing the mouth and esophagus.
Enteral feeding is commonly employed when a patient is unable to eat due to conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, postoperative recovery, neurological disorders impairing swallowing ability, or severe malnutrition. The primary goal of enteral feeding is to ensure that patients receive adequate nutrition to maintain or improve their overall health status.
The types of enteral feeding methods vary depending on the patient's needs and condition. Some commonly used techniques include nasogastric tube placement, where a sterile tube is inserted through the nose and passed into the stomach, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement, which involves the insertion of a feeding tube directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall.
Enteral nutrition formulas, also known as liquid feedings or tube feedings, are specially formulated to provide the necessary nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, in a balanced and easily digestible form.
Regular monitoring and adjustment of enteral feeding are crucial to ensure the patient receives optimal nutrition and to prevent complications such as aspiration (inhalation of formula), feeding intolerance, infection, or blockage of the feeding tube.
Overall, enteral feeding plays a vital role in supporting patients' nutritional needs when they cannot consume food orally, assisting in their recovery and well-being.
