Last Updated on May 2, 2024 by Francis
Enteral nutrition refers to the delivery of nutrients through a tube directly into the stomach or small intestine. It is typically used when a person is unable to obtain adequate nutrients orally. This can include a wide range of medical conditions, such as cancer, gastrointestinal disease, or neurological disorders. In this article, we will explore when and why enteral nutrition should be used as a form of medical treatment.
Enteral Nutrition: A Definition
Enteral nutrition is a method of feeding that involves delivering nutrients directly to the gastrointestinal tract via a feeding tube. This method is often used when a patient is unable to eat normally due to medical or surgical conditions. It is a way of providing the body with the necessary nutrients to maintain health and promote healing.
Types of Enteral Nutrition
There are two main types of enteral nutrition: nasogastric and gastrostomy. Nasogastric feeding involves inserting a tube through the nose and down the throat, into the stomach. Gastrostomy feeding involves surgically creating an opening in the stomach and inserting a feeding tube directly into it.
Indications for Enteral Nutrition
Enteral nutrition is typically used when a patient is unable to eat normally due to a medical condition such as dysphagia, neurological disorders, cancer, or gastrointestinal disorders. It may also be used in cases of severe malnutrition or as a supplement to oral feeding.
One key takeaway from this text is that enteral nutrition is a method of feeding that can provide the body with the necessary nutrients to maintain health and promote healing. It is typically used when a patient is unable to eat normally due to medical or surgical conditions, such as dysphagia, neurological disorders, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, severe malnutrition, or as a supplement to oral feeding. While enteral nutrition has several benefits such as improved nutritional status, reduced risk of infection, and improved quality of life, it also carries some risks such as complications related to the feeding tube, gastrointestinal complications, and the risk of aspiration.
Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a condition that affects the ability to swallow. It can be caused by a variety of medical conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Patients with dysphagia may have difficulty swallowing solid foods or liquids, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. Enteral nutrition can provide a way for these patients to receive the necessary nutrients without the risk of aspiration.
Neurological Disorders
Patients with neurological disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease, and dementia may experience difficulty with feeding and swallowing. Enteral nutrition can provide a way for these patients to receive the necessary nutrients to maintain their health and prevent malnutrition.
Cancer
Cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Enteral nutrition can provide a way for these patients to receive the necessary nutrients to maintain their health and promote healing.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Patients with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may have difficulty absorbing nutrients from food. Enteral nutrition can provide a way for these patients to receive the necessary nutrients to maintain their health and prevent malnutrition.
Severe Malnutrition
Enteral nutrition may be used in cases of severe malnutrition, where the patient is unable to eat enough food to meet their nutritional needs. This may be due to a medical condition or as a result of surgery or trauma.
Supplemental Feeding
Enteral nutrition may also be used as a supplement to oral feeding. This may be necessary in cases where the patient is unable to eat enough food to meet their nutritional needs, but is still able to eat some food orally.
Benefits of Enteral Nutrition
Enteral nutrition has several benefits over other methods of feeding such as parenteral nutrition, which involves delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream. Some of the benefits of enteral nutrition include:
One key takeaway from this text is that enteral nutrition can provide various benefits to patients who are unable to eat normally due to medical conditions, including improved nutritional status, reduced risk of infection, and improved quality of life. However, it is important to note that enteral nutrition also carries some risks such as tube-related complications, gastrointestinal complications, and aspiration.
Improved Nutritional Status
Enteral nutrition provides the body with the necessary nutrients to maintain health and promote healing. It can help prevent malnutrition and dehydration, which can lead to complications such as infections and delayed wound healing.
Reduced Risk of Infection
Enteral nutrition is delivered directly to the gastrointestinal tract, which helps maintain the integrity of the gut barrier. This can reduce the risk of infections such as pneumonia and sepsis, which can be common in patients receiving parenteral nutrition.
Improved Quality of Life
Enteral nutrition can improve the quality of life for patients who are unable to eat normally. It can help prevent symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can be common in patients receiving parenteral nutrition.
Risks of Enteral Nutrition
While enteral nutrition has several benefits, it also carries some risks. Some of the risks of enteral nutrition include:
Tube-Related Complications
Patients receiving enteral nutrition may experience complications related to the feeding tube, such as tube displacement, clogging, or infection. These complications can lead to interruptions in feeding and may require additional medical intervention.
Gastrointestinal Complications
Enteral nutrition can cause gastrointestinal complications such as diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. These complications can be managed with adjustments to the feeding regimen and medication if necessary.
Aspiration
Patients receiving enteral nutrition may be at risk of aspiration, which can occur when food or liquid enters the lungs instead of the stomach. This can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory complications.
FAQs for when should enteral nutrition be used
What is enteral nutrition?
Enteral nutrition refers to the delivery of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract through a feeding tube, bypassing the mouth and throat.
When should enteral nutrition be used?
Enteral nutrition should be used when a patient is unable to take food by mouth or has a condition that interferes with their ability to properly digest food. Common situations where enteral nutrition may be necessary include severe neurological disorders, head and neck cancers, malabsorption syndromes, and intestinal obstruction or surgery.
How is enteral nutrition administered?
Enteral nutrition is administered through a feeding tube, which can be inserted through the nose or mouth and passed down the esophagus and into the stomach or small intestine. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to place the feeding tube directly into the stomach or small intestine.
What are the potential complications of enteral nutrition?
Complications of enteral nutrition can include tube displacement, blockage or occlusion, infection, aspiration, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances. It is important to closely monitor patients receiving enteral nutrition for these and other potential complications.
What types of formulas are used in enteral nutrition?
There are a variety of enteral feeding formulas available, including standard, high calorie, and disease-specific formulas. The choice of formula will depend on the patient’s specific nutritional needs and medical condition.
Can enteral nutrition be used long term?
Enteral nutrition can be used long term in patients who are unable to take food by mouth or have a condition that interferes with their ability to properly digest food. In some cases, enteral nutrition may be used indefinitely.
