Understanding Enteral Feeding: A Comprehensive Guide

Feeding tubes are essential for many people who can’t get enough nutrition by eating regularly. With Feeding Tube Awareness Week happening from February 2nd to 8th, 2025, let’s take a closer look at what enteral feeding is, how it works, and when it’s necessary. This guide covers all the basics and includes information on how you can support those who rely on feeding tubes for essential nutrition.

How Does Enteral Feeding Work?

Enteral feeding works by delivering nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through a tube, bypassing the mouth and throat. The nutrients are usually in liquid form, making it easier for the body to absorb. This method provides essential vitamins, minerals, and calories to those who can’t eat enough by mouth. Feeding can happen in cycles, like regular mealtimes, or continuously over a day, depending on the person’s needs.

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

What Are Enteral Feeding Tubes?

Enteral feeding tubes are medical devices used to deliver food directly into a person’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are critical for those who can’t eat or swallow enough to stay healthy. 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 and travel down to the stomach.
• Gastrostomy (G-tubes): Placed directly through the abdomen into the stomach.

Each type serves different needs based on a person’s specific requirements.

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: The danuButton® is a replacement feeding tube for long-term enteral nutrition and use with a completely healed stoma.

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 2025

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 Can Help

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 here or call 1300 123 633.

FAQs about Enteral Feeding

Q: What are the different types of feeding tubes?
A: There are several types, including nasogastric (NG) tubes that go through the nose to the stomach and gastrostomy (G-tubes), which are placed directly into the stomach. Each type serves specific needs based on each person.

Q: How long does someone typically need enteral feeding?
A: Duration varies. Some people need feeding tubes temporarily, while others require them long-term due to chronic conditions.

Q: Are there any risks associated with enteral feeding?
A: Yes, as with any medical intervention, there are risks, such as infection or tube blockage. Regular healthcare monitoring helps reduce these risks.

Q: Can you still eat by mouth with a feeding tube?
A: In some cases, yes. Many people can eat small amounts by mouth while also using a feeding tube to get enough nutrition.

Q: What is Feeding Tube Awareness Week?
A: It’s an annual event to raise awareness about feeding tubes, reduce stigma, and support those who rely on 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.