Date: February 4-10, 2024
Color: Blue and Purple
What is a feeding tube?
A feeding tube is a device that is inserted in the stomach wall and goes directly into the stomach. It bypasses chewing and swallowing in a student or individual who no longer has the ability to safely eat or drink. This allows for students and individuals to receive adequate nutritional support and also provides hydration and medication directly to the stomach or intestine.
A feeding tube is also used for students and adults who cannot take in enough food by mouth. Feeding tubes can be temporary or permanent.
Reasons to use a feeding tube.
The student or individual may have a swallowing disorder or dysphasia. This means there is an increased risk for the student or individual to aspirate their foods or liquids into their lungs. Causes of swallowing problems include low-muscle tone, brain injury, genetic conditions, sensory issues, neurological conditions, cleft lip/palate and birth defects of the esophagus or stomach.
Neurological and Genetic Conditions Requiring Tube Feeding
Some students and individuals with neurological and genetic conditions often require tube feeding due to gastrointestinal issues including constipation, reflux, and abnormal food-related behaviors. It For example, it is estimate that 11% of children with cerebral palsy use a feeding tube due to difficulty with eating, swallowing, and drinking.
Types of G-Tubes
Nasogastic Feeding Tube
The Gastrostomy tube (G-Tube) is placed through the skin into the stomach and is usually for short-term tube feeding.
Gastrostomy tube
Is placed through the skin into the stomach and the intestine. Used for long-term use and is used for a person who has a risk for aspiration and has difficulty keeping food from moving from the stomach to the intestine.
Jejunostomy tube
Goes through the skin directly into the small intestine and is used for long- term feeding when there is a blockage in the stomach.
Side Effects
- cramps
- constipation
- aspiration
- vomiting
- bloating
Care of the feeding tube
- Should be cleaned daily.
- The feeding tube should be flushed with water after the feeding. This will prevent clogging.
- In order to prevent skin breakdown, keep the site open to air as much as possible and apply waterproof skin protection.
- Notify your healthcare professional if there is any redness, swelling, four odor and skin breakdown around the area.
he following are different types of neurological or genetic conditions that may require the use of a feeding tube.
Angelman Syndrome
Aspiration
CDKL5 Disorder
Dysphasia
Hydrocephalus
Microcephaly
PPD- Not Otherwise Specified
Trisomy 18
Spastic Diplegia
Traumatic Brain Injury