About Enteral Nutrition

Enteral nutrition is any process of feeding that utilise for gastrointestinal tract to deliver part of caloric requirement. It consist a normal oral diet, liquid supplements or delivery part of the daily requirements by use of a tube.

Enteral nutrition refers to the delivery of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract through a feeding tube, bypassing the mouth and esophagus. It is typically used in patients who are unable to take food or drink orally, either due to illness, injury, or surgery. Enteral nutrition can be administered via various routes, including nasogastric, nasoenteric, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy tubes. The choice of feeding route depends on the patient's medical condition, nutritional requirements, and other factors.

Enteral nutrition can provide a complete and balanced source of nutrition, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It can help to maintain or improve a patient's nutritional status, reduce complications, and promote healing and recovery.

However, enteral nutrition is not without risks. Possible complications include tube blockage, infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, aspiration, and electrolyte imbalances. Careful monitoring and management of enteral nutrition are essential to minimize these risks and optimize patient outcomes.

The use of enteral nutrition is typically managed by a healthcare team, including physicians, dietitians, and nurses. The team works together to assess the patient's nutritional needs, develop an appropriate feeding plan, and monitor the patient's progress and response to treatment.