Date: February 8-12. 2022
The Feeding Tube Awareness Week was created by the Feeding Tube awareness Foundation organization to increase awareness of feeding tubes and enteral feeding. The first awareness week was launched in 2011. The mission of Awareness week is to promote the positive bebefits of feeding tubes as life saving medical interventions
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.
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 increase 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.
The 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
Resources:
Resources activities held during the week can be found here: FEEDING TUBE AWARENESS WEEK 2021 – Feeding Tube Awareness Week
