Feeding tube is a small, soft, plastic tube placed through the nose or mouth into the stomach., to introduce food, nutrients, medication, or other material into the stomach, or drain undesirable contents from the stomach, or decompress the stomach. And suck out stomach fluid for testing etc. Until a person can take food by mouth.
The Common uses of a feeding tube include:
Providing nutrition: Food, in liquid form, can be provided through a feeding tube. Tube feeding, or enteral nutrition, can be given through the tube to provide carbohydrates, protein, and fats to the body without requiring the patient to swallow or chew.
Providing fluids: Water can be provided through a feeding tube to keep the patient hydrated without needing to give IV fluids.
Providing medication: Medications, including many pills and tablets, can be given through a feeding tube. Tablets may require grinding and some capsules may need to be opened, but if the particles are small enough most medications can be blended with water and administered through a feeding tube.
Decompressing the stomach: Some types of the feeding tube can be used to remove air from the stomach. Some types of feeding tubes, the temporary ones, in particular, can be connected to suction to gently remove gas from the stomach to reduce distention1 and bloating.
Removing stomach contents: If you aren't processing food or fluids, you may have food sitting in the stomach that causes discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain and bloating. Gentle suction can be used to remove fluids and small particles of food from your stomach.
