If you cannot eat sufficient quantities of food to meet nutritional needs, then feeding can be given through a tube into the stomach or small bowel to provide adequate nutrients. The feedings may be given continuously over several hours, around the clock at a specific rate, and delivered by a special pump or several times a day in measured amounts. Adequate nutrition depends on the right type and amount of formula. Your healthcare provider will prescribe your feeding schedule, formula and amount of water needed for optimal nutrition and hydration. After a brain or spinal cord injury, the metabolic rate may be increased and energy and protein needs may be high to provide nutrients for healing. Muscle atrophy is also common because of decreased mobility during this time. Calorie and protein needs tend to decrease a few months after injury, so tube feedings may need to be adjusted to avoid unwanted weight gain.
What Is an Ear Tube Placement Procedure?
What Are Tubes and Why Might I Need Them?
But needing tubes in the ears happens for adults, too. Most kids need the surgery because of their anatomical development. Cue the ear infections.
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Read the latest information for visitors. This information will teach you how to use a pump to feed yourself and take your medications through your feeding tube. Nutrients provide energy and help you heal. For more information about your feeding tube, including how to manage side effects, read Tube Feeding Troubleshooting Guide. You may have a feeding tube with a legacy connector or an ENFit connector. There are 2 different kinds of pump feedings:. Your healthcare provider will let you know what you need to do. You can choose the times of your feedings, as long as you reach your daily nutritional goals. Write in the times you prefer or your doctor, advanced practice provider APP , or clinical dietitian nutritionist recommends.
Jump to content. Your body needs nutrition to stay strong and help you live a healthy life. If you're unable to eat, or if you have an illness that makes it hard to swallow food, you may need a feeding tube. The tube is surgically inserted into your stomach and is used to give food, liquids, and medicines. Depending on why you need a feeding tube, you may have it for several weeks or months or for the rest of your life. Having a feeding tube means learning new skills and adopting new routines. You'll need to learn how to use and care for the tube, and how to avoid common problems. It's important that the food you use for tube feeding have the right blend of nutrients for you.
