When Is It Necessary To Use An Eating Tube?

An eating tube is used whenever the patient cannot consume food normally through the mouth. This could be due to a number of reasons including blockage along the digestive system from the throat down to the stomach. Feeding normally will only lead to choking in this case so the child uses a tube until surgery fixes the matter.

The tube is commonly inserted straight to the stomach where the food can be digested outright. Other entry points are also possible. Doctors will determine the best course of action on a case to case basis.

This is designed only a temporary solution. The child should learn how to eat normally once it is possible. There may be some initial resistance to this which can be overcome through proven techniques. Consult a child psychologist, pediatrician, and dietician in order develop a suitable weaning plan.