Tube feedings may become necessary when you can’t eat enough calories to meet your nutritional needs. This may occur if you physically can’t eat, can’t eat safely, or if your caloric requirements are increased beyond your ability to eat. There is a support group for people with tube feeding called Patients on Intravenous and Nasogastric Nutrition Therapy (opens in a new tab) or PINNT. Family members may also join.

You will be regularly reviewed by the dietitian who works out your nutritional needs and selects the most appropriate feed for you. Your dietitian will discuss with you and devise a plan of when to feed and which feed best suits you. Where do I get my feed? Small-bore tubes can be difficult to aspirate therefore the following are suggested techniques to try enhance the ability to obtain aspirate: Orogastric Tube (OGT) - Thin soft tube passed through a child’s mouth, through the oropharynx, through the oesophagus and into the stomach

How long do I keep equipment?

The primary responsibility of maintaining proper hygiene while caring for a feeding tube should always be at hand. It is recommended that syringes be thoroughly dried after each use and that they be washed with water (do not boil). It is recommended that you change them every 2-3 days, or more frequently if the needle is visible. Feeding Tube Syringe Hard To Push Arabi YM, et al. (2017). Permissive underfeedingor standard enteral feeding in high- and low-nutritional-risk critically illadults. Post hoc analysis of the PermiT trial. DOI: Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Phillips, N M., & Endacott, R., 2011. Medication administration via enteral tubes: a survey of nurses’ practices, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 67(12), 2586-2592.Horn, D., Chaboyer W., & Schluter, P., 2004. Gastric residual volumes in critically ill paediatric patients: A comparison of feeding regimens, Australian Critical Care, 17(3),pg 98-103. Turgay, A S., & Khorshid, L. 2010. Effectiveness of the auscultatory and pH methods in predicting feeding tube placement, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19, pg 1553-1559. For older children feeds given as a bolus should be removed from the fridge 15-20 minutes before administration to bring them to room temperature. Feeds given as a bolus may be warmed in an approved bottle warmer. This would be appropriate for all infants and older children who experience discomfort with cooler feeds. Some people may also be able to eat or drink whilst tube feeding. You will be advised by your doctor and dietitian whether you can eat or drink. How much do I need?