Baxter 176 - INLET, SYRINGE EM2400, 25/CS
Enteral Feeding Inlet - Micro-Volume Em2400, Box of 25
Inlet, Syringe Enteral Feeding EM2400 (25/Cs) by Baxter BXC176
What is enteral tube feeding?
Enteral tube feeding is a means of administering all or part of a persons nutritional needs when they are no longer able to take adequate amounts orally. An enteral feeding tube is a tube that is specially designed to give you nutrition (food) and fluid in a liquid form. Enteral feeding tubes may be recommended to provide:
- All of your nutritional needs/requirements
- Nutrition additional to what you can manage orally
- Water only.
Why do I need an enteral feeding tube?
There are several reasons why your healthcare professional may have suggested an enteral feeding tube. You may not be able to swallow your food and drinks safely because of swallowing problems. Continuing to eat and drink may risk food and/or fluid going down the wrong way and instead of being swallowed and entering the stomach it may enter your lungs. This may result in you developing a chest infection, which will make you unwell.
Or it may be that you have a medical condition which prevents you from eating or digesting your food. Some conditions also result in a loss of appetite or the inability to absorb the goodness from the food and drink, so you may not be able to eat and drink enough every day to give your body what it needs. In these situations tube feeding is a safe way to supplement your diet.
What may the benefits be for me?
The reasons for having a tube for feeding will be different for each individual. Some of the more common reasons include:
Taking food orally may have become increasingly difficult making meal times stressful. Having a feeding tube allows you to eat what you feel comfortable taking, whilst the rest of your nutritional needs can be provided as a 'top up' via the tube. Help to prevent weight loss and optimising your energy levels, allowing you to continue with your normal daily activities.
What stops the tube from falling out?
This will depend on the type of tube you have placed. A tube placed via your nose is usually secured at your nose with some tape. A tube that is placed through the abdomen into your stomach is usually secured by an internal bumper (or occasionally stitches). On the outside of the stomach on the surface of your abdomen there is usually a 'fixation plate' which keeps the tube securely in place. This prevents the tube from repeatedly moving which could irritate the skin. You will be given advice about what to do if the tube becomes displaced by your healthcare professionals.
How is the tube used to feed me?
Specially prepared liquid feeds that contain the nutrients your body needs will be given through your feeding tube, using either a syringe or an electronic feeding pump. Feeding a set amount of feed over a short period of time is often called 'bolus feeding'. Running the feed through a feeding pump (pump assisted feeding) allows the feed to be given at a set rate over a number of hours, this is sometimes referred to as 'continuous feeding'. The means by which the feed is administered - bolus, pump assisted or a combination should be determined by yourself following discussion with the healthcare professionals who have a good understanding of your lifestyle, family, work commitments, activity, sleep and rest patterns and time outside of the home.
In addition to the special liquid feed which is chosen based on your nutritional needs, you will also administer water and, if necessary, your medications through the feeding tube. The amount of feed and water you have via the tube will depend on how much you are able to eat and drink. A dietitian will work closely with you to design a feeding plan that best suits your needs and fits in with your life at home, also taking into account how well your gut (digestive system) works and any medical conditions.
