- For patients & carers
- For carers
How Safe is Tube Feeding?
Tube feeding is a well-known way of restoring or keeping nutritional health in people who are chronically or critically ill. It is based on scientific advances in food, food technology, nutrition, and medicine.1
Sometimes people will have problems getting used to tube feeding. It's important to be aware of possible tube feeding problems. It's also important to remember these problems can often be avoided.2
Your healthcare team will help you learn how to avoid and deal with tube feeding problems. They can explain how to:
- Care for your tubes
- Maintain your equipment
- Follow your tube feeding plan
- Find help.
Even when you go home, you won't be left alone. You'll be given information on the community help available to you. Your community nurse and dietitian will help you to solve any tube feeding problems you may have.
Tube feeding problems
At some point you may run into problems with your feeding tube. The first time this happens, you may to feel worried and confused about what to do. This is completely natural. You'll come to learn how to solve most tube feeding problems on your own.
Even though regular care makes tube feeding problems not likely, the following can happen:
- The tube being blocked
- The tube falling out
- Leaking or fluid around the tube
- Feeling uncomfortable when feeding
- Infection of skin around the tube.
Your healthcare team can help you if you have any tube feeding problems. There are also many simple long-term care measures you can take in order to help avoid any problems from happening.
Possible side effects of tube feeding
When you start tube feeding, you may have some side effects. You and your healthcare team can adjust the tube feeding routine so it's just right for you.
Tube feeding can have the same impact on your body as any other big change in your diet, including:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Wind or back pain.
While these are unpleasant, there are ways to prevent them from happening. Work with your healthcare professional to find the best tube feed and routine for you.
References:
- Chernoff R. An overview of tube feeding: from ancient times to the future. Nutrition Clin Pract 2006;21:408-410.
- Payne-James J (2001). Chapter 19: Complications of enteral nutrition. In: Payne-James J (ed). Artificial Nutrition Support in Clinical Practice, 2nd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 335-345.
How Safe is Tube Feeding?
Tube feeding is a well-known way of restoring or keeping nutritional health in people who are chronically or critically ill. It is based on scientific advances in food, food technology, nutrition, and medicine.1
Your healthcare team will help you learn how to avoid and deal with tube feeding problems.2
They can explain how to:
- Care for your child's tubes
- Maintain equipment
- Follow your child's tube feeding plan
- Find help.
Even when you go home, you won't be left alone. You'll be given information on the community help available to you. Your community nurse and dietitian will help you to solve any tube feeding problems you may have.
Tube feeding problems
At some point you might run into problems with your child's feeding tube. The first time this happens you're likely to feel anxious and confused about what to do. This is completely natural, but you'll find that with time and practice, you'll come to learn how to solve most tube feeding problems on your own.
Even though regular maintenance and care make these problems unlikely, possible challenges include:
- The tube becoming blocked
- The tube falling out
- Leaking or fluid around the tube
- Discomfort when feeding
- Infection or irritation of skin around the tube.
Your healthcare team can support you if you encounter tube feeding problems; there are also many simple long-term care measures you can take in order to help avoid any problems from happening.
Possible side effects of tube feeding
When your child starts tube feeding, they may have some side effects. You and your healthcare team can adjust your child's tube feeding routine so it's just right for your child.
Tube feeding can have the same impact on your child's body as any other big change in their diet, including:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Wind or back pain.
While these are unpleasant, there are ways to prevent them from happening. Work with your healthcare professional to find the best tube feed and routine for your child.
References:
- Chernoff R. An overview of tube feeding: from ancient times to the future. Nutrition Clin Pract 2006;21:408-410.
- Payne-James J (2001). Chapter 19: Complications of enteral nutrition. In: Payne-James J (ed). Artificial Nutrition Support in Clinical Practice, 2nd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 335-345.
