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Feeding Tube Care

To continue meeting nutritional requirements

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Key Components of Feeding Tube Care

A feeding tube is more than just a medical device; it's a lifeline. It's specially designed for those who, due to various reasons, cannot consume food the conventional way or have challenges with swallowing.

Our dedicated care ensures that every individual receives the essential nutrition they need, seamlessly and safely.

Feeding Tube Principles
Nutrition and Swallow Therapy
Speech Therapy
Psychology and Emotional Wellbeing
Cognitive Training
PEG Dressing

Rebuild speech & cognitive functions

Prevent complications

Improved overall quality of life

Customer rating of 4.9/5

Types of Tube Feeds

Understanding that every patient's needs are unique, we offer a variety of tube feeds tailored to individual requirements.

Here's a glimpse of the options we provide:

A temporary solution, this tube is inserted through the nose and extends to the stomach.

Similar to the Nasogastric tube but extends further into the jejunum, a part of the small intestine.

A more permanent solution, this tube is directly inserted into the stomach through the abdominal wall.

Directly inserted into the jejunum, this tube bypasses the stomach entirely.

Comprehensive of Feeding Tube Care

Adapting to life with a feeding tube involves acquiring new skills and establishing new routines. Our holistic approach to care encompasses:

Ensuring the well-being and comfort of the individual on tube feed is our top priority.

Regular checks and upkeep of the tube to prevent complications and ensure its longevity.

A step-by-step approach to feeding, ensuring that the patient receives the right amount of nutrition in the safest manner possible.

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Hear from the Healed

Happy patients share their kind words and experiences.

Overall rating

Never experienced such high quality care before

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My wife had a stroke at the age of 49. After Surgery, we were referred to HCAH Transition Care Center. My wife was practically bedridden with multiple tubes running through her. But her recovery at HCAH began on day one. Their multidisciplinary staff...
is very experienced, well trained, and well mannered. They made us feel that we were a family and addressed all our anxieties. I have never experienced such high quality care before. My wife has now recovered, free of all the tubes, and can do her daily activities by herself. Thank you HCAH!

Amish Tripathi, 49

Very responsive to all our needs and requirements

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We had a caregiver from HCAH for my 85-year-old Dad to help him recover from back surgery. He was very alert, optimistic, experienced, and he kept building my old dad's hope to recover. He was very interactive and provided me regular updates with Dad...
's videos and pictures. He ensured that dad had weekly sessions with the doctor on video call. His dedication and care made my dad free of all catheters, feeding tubes by the end of 2 months. I feel that he was the best friend my dad needed at that stage.

Prakash Kukreja, 56

Dedicated and experienced staff

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My sister was admitted to HCAH Post GBS. She came here in a bedridden condition with a tracheostomy, oxygen support, and feeding tubes. Today, after 2 months, the tracheostomy tube, oxygen support, and food pipe have been removed. She can now walk in...
dependently. I thank all the HCAH team members, the doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, and all specialized therapists who have returned my sister her life.

Arvapalli Manikanta, 37
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A Guide to Tube Feeding

Tube feeding is a vital medical intervention that provides nutrition directly to the stomach or small intestine. It becomes essential in situations where a person cannot eat or swallow...Read More

A Guide to Tube Feeding

Tube feeding is a vital medical intervention that provides nutrition directly to the stomach or small intestine. It becomes essential in situations where a person cannot eat or swallow normally. This guide aims to shed light on the intricacies of tube feeding, from its purpose to how to care for a feeding tube.

What is Tube Feeding?

Tube feeding is the administration of nutrition through a tube directly into the digestive tract. There are various types of feeding tubes, including nasogastric (NG) tubes, gastrostomy (PEG) tubes, and jejunostomy tubes. Each serves a unique purpose, with the choice depending on the patient's medical condition and needs.

Indications for Tube Feeding

Several medical conditions might necessitate tube feeding. These include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), malnutrition, certain neurological disorders, post-surgical recovery, and severe trauma or burns. In such cases, patient nasogastric tube feeding or other forms of tube feeding become crucial for maintaining adequate nutrition.

Procedure and Administration

Administering tube feeding involves inserting the chosen tube into the appropriate part of the digestive system. For instance, an NG tube is passed through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. Proper nasogastric tube care and maintenance are vital to prevent complications.

Precautions during the procedure include ensuring the tube's correct placement and checking for any signs of discomfort. Once the tube is in place, it's essential to understand feeding tube care. This encompasses regular cleaning of the tube site, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring the tube remains unblocked.

Nutritional Aspects

The nutrition provided through tube feeding is in the form of specialized formulas. These formulas cater to the specific needs of the patient. When selecting a formula, considerations include the patient's age, medical condition, and nutritional requirements. Alongside the formula, the importance of hydration cannot be overstated. Monitoring fluid intake ensures the patient remains well-hydrated.

Potential Complications and How to Address Them

Like any medical procedure, tube feeding comes with potential complications. Common issues include tube blockage, infections, or skin irritation around the tube site. Proper NG tube care, PEG tube care, and care for other types of tubes can help prevent these complications.

For instance, regular flushing of the tube can prevent blockages. Keeping the tube site clean and dry can ward off infections. If any complications arise, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Living with a Feeding Tube

Adjusting to life with a feeding tube can be challenging. It requires a shift in daily routines and can have emotional and psychological implications. Proper tube feeding nursing care can make this transition smoother. Whether it's nursing care plan for g tube feeding or PEG tube nursing care, professional guidance ensures the patient's well-being.

Tube feeding is a life-saving intervention for many. With the right care, including nasogastric tube care, peg tube nursing care, and understanding the nuances of feeding tube in stomach care, patients can lead a comfortable life. It's essential for caregivers and patients alike to be well-informed and proactive in seeking guidance and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

The nutrients within the feed are like what is available from normal food and also digested in the same way. The tube feed covers calories, protein, fat, fibers and all micronutrients required for the patient on daily basis.

Depending on the need for tube feeding, it may be kept for weeks or months. The tube feeding is gradually weaned off and the tube is removed once the disease condition improves, and the patient is able to swallow adequate liquid or semisolid food.

In some cases, tube feeding may be required for a very long period or for life. Having a feeding tube means learning new skills and adopting new routines.

Indications Needing Tube Feed:
  • Unconscious patient with no swallowing/Gag reflex.
  • Post-surgical procedures of Gastrointestinal system
  • Inability to swallow due to disease conditions (tumor, swelling, injury, cancer)
  • Surgery inside oral cavity (mouth).
  • Severe trauma of head and neck
  • Critical Illnesses with altered sensorium.
  • Inability to tolerate oral feeds.
  • Supplementation of Nutrition and fluid requirements.

Gastrostomy Tube (*PEG/**RIG)- Can be inserted directly into the stomach through a small stoma (opening) created by a surgical incision over the abdomen). It can be used for more than 6 months.

Yes. Our expert will assess the severity of your condition and suggest what would work best for your needs: Feeding Tube care at home or at the HCAH care center.

Yes. Our feeding tube care program is comprehensive and gives weight to every aspect of recovery. We have dedicated speech and swallow therapists and cognitive therapists who will help in rebuilding your ability to eat.

The impact of tube feeding on the mental health of the patient is not commonly recognized. HCAH ensures the mental and emotional well-being of the patient and their family through regular psychological sessions.

HCAH follows dedicated feeding tube principles while maintaining hospital-like safety and hygiene and taking all precautions. Our nursing staff is specially trained per the international protocol to care for the patients on tube feed.

Caring for a patient with a feeding tube involves:
  • Checking the tube placement before each feeding.
  • Administering the prescribed formula at the correct rate and temperature.
  • Keeping the patient's head elevated during and after feedings.
  • Cleaning the stoma site daily and checking for signs of infection.
  • Flushing the tube with water before and after feedings and medications.
  • Flushing the tube with water before and after feedings and medications.
  • Ensuring regular assessment of nutritional needs and hydration status.

The stoma site around the feeding tube should be cleaned daily with mild soap and water, and then dried thoroughly. The external portion of the tube should also be cleaned daily. Flushing the tube with water before and after feedings and medications helps keep the inside of the tube clean. Regular cleaning prevents infections and ensures the longevity and functionality of the feeding tube.

Tube feeding, also known as enteral nutrition, provides essential nutrients directly to the stomach or intestine. While it is a life-sustaining treatment, it is not typically classified as "life support" in the same way as mechanical ventilation or advanced cardiac life support. However, for patients who cannot eat or swallow, tube feeding is crucial for maintaining nutrition, hydration, and overall health.

Yes, many individuals with feeding tubes live at home. With proper training and guidance, caregivers or family members can manage tube feedings, administer medications, and provide routine care for the tube site. Home health services can also support and monitor patients with feeding tubes in the home setting.

The greatest risk of tube feeding is aspiration, where the formula enters the lungs instead of the stomach or intestines. This can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory complications. Other risks include tube dislodgement, infection at the insertion site, gastrointestinal complications like diarrhea or constipation, and metabolic imbalances.

A feeding tube is a significant medical intervention used when oral intake is insufficient or unsafe. While it's a valuable tool in maintaining nutrition and hydration, it comes with potential complications and requires diligent care. The decision to place a feeding tube should be based on individual needs, potential benefits, and risks.

Recovery time after feeding tube placement varies. Generally, for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes, most patients can resume normal activities within a week, though the stoma site may take several weeks to fully heal. For nasogastric tubes, there's minimal recovery time as it's a non-surgical procedure. It's essential to follow healthcare provider guidelines for activity restrictions and care.