Artificial feeding for patients
Tube and tube feeding is a type of artificial feeding for patients with a functional gastrointestinal system who cannot be fed through the normal route of oral feeding or if oral feeding is not sufficient to meet their nutritional needs.
In this case the food is transferred directly into the gastrointestinal tract through a feeding tube.
IN WHICH CASES IS IT REQUIRED
Indications for artificial enteral feeding
It is required in cases where chewing ability has been lost, bowel function has been reduced or nutrient requirements have increased.
Indications for artificial enteral feeding in the paediatric patient category are Short Bowel Syndrome, Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, Crohn’s Disease, Psychogenic Anorexia, Ketogenic Diet in Epilepsy etc. Patients may receive enteral feeding through a tube for a short period of time, e.g. through a nasogastric tube (NG), or for life in some cases, e.g. through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).
Feeding regimens also vary depending on the needs of the patient and this affects the foods, forms and delivery systems used.
AIM OF OPTIMAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEVELOPMENT
Enteral feeding formulations contain the appropriate type and proportion of nutrients according to the needs and condition of the paediatric patient with the aim of optimal physical and mental development.