Enteral
Enteral refers to the method of feeding that uses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to deliver part or all of a person's caloric requirements. It can include a normal oral diet, the use of liquid supplements or delivery of part or all of the daily requirements by use of a tube (tube feeding).
Types of Enteral Nutrition[edit | edit source]
There are two main types of enteral nutrition: oral nutrition supplements and tube feeding.
- Oral nutrition supplements are often used in the community and in malnourished patients to enhance their nutritional intake. These are often milk-based or fruit juice style drinks, high in protein and energy, and fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- Tube feeding is used when patients are unable to meet their nutritional needs with a normal diet or oral nutritional supplements. Tube feeding can be used in both the hospital and community settings.
Indications for Enteral Nutrition[edit | edit source]
Enteral nutrition is indicated for patients who have a functioning GI tract but are unable to consume enough nutrients orally. This can be due to conditions such as anorexia, oral cancer, neurological disorders, or swallowing disorders.
Methods of Delivery[edit | edit source]
Enteral nutrition can be delivered through a number of different methods, including:
- Nasogastric tube (NG tube): This is a tube that is passed through the nose, down the esophagus and into the stomach.
- Nasoduodenal or nasojejunal tube: These tubes are passed through the nose and esophagus, but they end in either the duodenum or jejunum.
- Gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube: These tubes are surgically placed directly into the stomach or jejunum.
Complications[edit | edit source]
Complications of enteral nutrition can include gastrointestinal complications, metabolic complications, and mechanical complications.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Enteral Resources | ||
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD