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4 Types Of Feeding Tube And Their Application Explained
4 Types Of Feeding Tube And Their Application Explained
Nutrition is important to a person's growth, development, and health. Some people, however, have trouble getting the required nutrition and may develop complications and severe illness if they choke on foods and fluids. Because of this, another healthy method of delivering food to the gut for normal digestion is required.
A feeding tube is a medical device suitable for people with dysphagia (swallowing difficulty), feeding issues, or eating disorders to ensure they are well-fed. However, the purpose of different types of feeding tubes is not limited to providing nutrition. Feeding tubes are used to decompress and remove air for people with excess gas, distention, and bloating in their stomachs. Other common uses of feeding tubes include providing medications and fluids and removing stomach contents. Read on to learn about the types of feeding tubes and their applications.
Types of Feeding Tubes
Some feeding tubes can only be used safely for short-term purposes, while you can use others permanently or long-term, depending on the cause of the problem. However, the risk of permanent damage to the voice box (larynx) and tissues in the esophagus or throat increases when short-term tubes are used longer than intended.
For short-term purposes, feeding tubes you can use include:
- Nasogastric (NG) tube: This is a special tube used to administer medicine and food through the nose. Patients unable to tolerate oral intake get nutrition and medications passed down through the nose, throat, and esophagus before resting in the stomach with the aid of a nasogastric tube. The NG feeding tube is suitable for enteral feeding for about six weeks before it has to be replaced.
- Orogastric (OG) tube: Although similar to the NG tube, the orogastric tube passes feeds through the mouth. It then threads along a similar pathway - down through the throat, into the esophagus, and then into the stomach. It is suitable for administering nutrition and medication for about two weeks before it is replaced or removed.
For long-term purposes, feeding tubes you can use include:
- Gastric tube (G tube): For patients with difficulty swallowing, the gastric feeding tube is the most common type of surgical enteral access used to pass down fluids, food, and medications. Unlike other short-term feeding tubes, the G tube completely bypasses the throat and mouth. Instead, a surgical incision is made in the left upper side of the abdomen to create a pathway for the G tube directly into the stomach.
- Jejunostomy tube (J tube): For patients who cannot tolerate gastric feeding tubes, a jejunostomy tube is the next best option. This type of feeding tube allows the administering of feeds through jejunal access in the small intestine. A small incision is made in the abdomen around the jejunum, directly through the intestine wall, and is used to pass smaller feeds like powdered drugs or thin liquids.
Getting Your Nutrition Right with ExpressMed
If you or your loved one needs feeding tubes for enteral feeding, you’re in luck. At ExpressMed, we have several feeding tubes you can choose from to suit your needs. Some of our popular feeding tube options are the MIC-Key Gastronomy Feeding Tube Kit and the Barb Button Continuous feeding tube. We also have various feeding tools, health supplements, and feeding formulas to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. Contact us today!
By Express Med
Express Med
