Enteral Feeding in Australia: Types of Feeding Tubes & How It Works

Enteral feeding, also known as tube feeding, is a clinically established method of delivering nutrition directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for patients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs through oral intake. Common feeding tube types include nasogastric (NG) tubes and gastrostomy (G) tubes, depending on the patient’s clinical needs and expected duration of nutritional support.

Feeding tubes play an important role in supporting patient care across a range of clinical settings, from acute care to long-term management.

This guide explains what enteral feeding is, how enteral feeding works, the different types of feeding tubes, and key considerations for healthcare professionals and caregivers supporting patients who rely on enteral nutrition.

What is Enteral Feeding?

Enteral feeding is the delivery of nutrition directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through a feeding tube when a person cannot safely eat or drink enough by mouth. It is commonly used in hospitals, aged care, rehabilitation, and community healthcare settings to support adequate nutrition.

This method helps patients receive the calories, fluids, vitamins, and nutrients they need while supporting normal digestive function whenever the gastrointestinal tract remains functional.

How Does Enteral Feeding Work?

Enteral feeding delivers liquid nutrition directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through a feeding tube, bypassing the mouth and throat. Depending on the patient’s clinical needs, nutrition may be delivered through a nasogastric (NG) tube, gastrostomy tube or other clinically appropriate enteral feeding device. Feeding may be provided as scheduled bolus feeds or continuously using an enteral feeding pump, ensuring patients receive the nutrition and hydration they require.

Pictured: FreeArm Muscle and Clamp Pink. FreeArm allows an extra hand to assist and support patients during feeding sessions.

Types of Feeding Tubes

Enteral feeding tubes are medical devices used to deliver nutrition directly into a person’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are used when a patient is unable to meet their nutritional needs through oral intake alone.

Enteral feeding can be delivered using a range of feeding tube methods, with the most appropriate approach determined by the patient’s clinical needs, anatomy, and expected duration of nutritional support.

Feeding tubes come in different types depending on where they enter the body and sit in the GI tract:

Nasogastric (NG) tubes

• inserted through the nose into the stomach
• generally used for short-term enteral feeding
• commonly used in hospitals and acute care

Gastrostomy (G) tubes

• inserted directly into the stomach
• typically selected when longer-term nutrition support is required
• suitable for patients requiring ongoing enteral feeding

InterMed offers the Medicina Low Profile Gastrostomy Button, designed for patients requiring long-term nutritional support in hospital or home care settings.

Pictured: Medicina nasogastric (NG) tube

When is Enteral Tube Feeding Required?

Enteral tube feeding may be required when a person can’t eat or swallow safely or consume enough to meet their nutritional needs.

Here are some common reasons for enteral feeding:

• Neurological Disorders: Conditions like stroke or severe cerebral palsy can impact swallowing ability.
• Cancer: Certain treatments or symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue, make eating difficult.
• Critical Illness or Injury: Some injuries or illnesses increase nutritional needs or make it hard to eat by mouth.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Some digestive conditions affect the upper GI tract but still allow nutrient absorption through other parts of the digestive system.

Pictured: Medicina Gastrostomy Button

Why is Feeding Tube Awareness Week Important?

Feeding Tube Awareness Week, launched by the Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation in 2011, is a time to educate the public, reduce stigma, and support families and individuals who use feeding tubes.

This week is an opportunity for patients, caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals to share stories, connect, and highlight the importance of feeding tubes in people’s lives.

How to Get Involved in Feeding Tube Awareness Week

You can support Feeding Tube Awareness Week and raise awareness about enteral feeding in several ways:

1. Share Your Story.
   If you or a loved one uses a feeding tube, sharing your experience on social media using the hashtag #FTAW2025, can be powerful. Personal stories help others understand the importance of feeding tubes and can reduce stigma.
2. Educate Yourself and Others.
   Take time to learn more about feeding tubes and the conditions that require their use. Sharing this knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues helps build greater understanding and empathy.
3. Attend Landmark Light-Ups.
   Every year, iconic landmarks across Australia light up in purple and blue for Feeding Tube Awareness Week. If you’re able to visit these landmarks, take photos, and share them with hashtags like #FTAWLightUp to show your support
4. Listen to the Tubie Talks Podcast.
   Tubie Talks podcast series, hosted by journalist Melanie Dimmitt, features guests who share their first-hand experiences with enteral feeding. It’s a great way to learn more about this essential yet often overlooked method of nourishment.

How InterMed Supports Enteral Feeding in Australia

At InterMed, we proudly offer a comprehensive range of enteral feeding solutions designed to meet the diverse nutritional needs of patients. Our portfolio features enteral nutrition delivery systems and essential accessories to ensure safe, effective, and reliable nutrition support.

We are also dedicated to supporting the Tubie Community through our collaborations with Mel Dimmett from The Blend and our support of Feeding Tube Awareness Week.

Looking for more information about InterMed’s Enteral Feeding range? 

Visit our website enteral feeding solutions, contact your local InterMed representative or call 1300 123 633.

FAQs about Enteral Feeding

DISCLAIMER:
The products mentioned in this blog are intended for use by healthcare professionals only.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Product images are for illustration purposes only and are owned by InterMed Medical Pty Ltd, and their distribution is restricted.