Although most patients with eosinophilic disorders do not require the use of a feeding tube, some are dependent on them for total nutrition or supplementation of a severely restricted diet. Unfortunately, as the understanding of this disease grows, the population of patients living with tubes is growing as well. Receiving the news that you or your child may require a feeding tube can provoke great anxiety.
Having a feeding tube does not necessarily alter how you live. Receiving adequate nutrition can actually improve quality of life. Certain types of tubes or feeding therapies are reserved for EGID treatment when intake is inadequate, or the GI tract is not absorbing adequate nutrients.
Remember that any decision to place a feeding tube should be made by a qualified medical specialist and is generally done when all alternative feeding therapies have been exhausted. Please review product brand and method of placement carefully with your physician and surgeon.
Methods of Feeding
Enteral feeding means the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract is used for feeding. This can be done in a number of different ways. The part of the digestive tract used for feeding depends on the underlying problem. There are a number of different ways to administer enteral feeds.
Parenteral feeding involves infusing nutrition directly into the bloodstream. This is only done if the digestive tract is unable to absorb nutrients from enteral feeds. This method of feeding requires a central intravenous line. A central line is a surgically placed, long lasting IV line that passes through a central vein (close to the heart). Hence, it bypasses the digestive system entirely. Due to the delicate nature of this type of feeding, cleanliness and other precautions are essential. Only rarely do EGID patients require total parenteral feeding (TPN). Special care and training are required to maintain the central line and administer the TPN.
Tubes Used for Enteral Feeds
NG (Nasogastric Tube) |
NG tube |
PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube) |
PEG tube |
G-Tube (Gastrostomy Tube) There are many different types of gastrostomy tubes. They share in common a mechanism to ‘anchor’ the tube in the stomach, by either a bolster or a balloon, and a port to use for feedings and medications. The pictures on the right are of one type of commonly used button. |
Example of a gastrostomy tube: Kimberly Clark’s Mic-key button |
G-J (Gastro-Jejunostomy Tube) |
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J- (Jejunostomy) Tube |
Granulation Tissue Granulation tissue can occur with any type of tube, and is a common occurrence. Keeping the stoma site clean and dry can help minimize this problem. Some physicians may use silver nitrate to cauterize the tissue. Steroid creams may also be used, but long-term use does predispose to candida infections (fungal). A snug fitting tube that does not leak and avoiding trauma to the site will help avoid this common and recurrent problem. |
Types of Enteral Feedings
Once the tube is placed, you and your medical team will determine the best method of administering the feedings. Feeding schedule may vary greatly from one individual to the next.
Bolus or gravity feeds involve nutrition being delivered several times throughout the day over short periods of time. This may be done by gravity through a large syringe, which allows the formula to drip in, or by a pump at a higher rate. |
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Continuous feeds involve use of a feeding pump with the feedings administered slowly over the course of the day. Feedings delivered to the jejunum (J tube) are always given this way. This method of feeding may also be used when the stomach empties slowly. |
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Night feeds involve continuous feeds utilizing a pump, but only at night. This method may be used to supplement a severely restricted diet or to supplement daytime bolus feeds. |
Enteral feeds do not need to limit activity.
Portable pumps are available that can be placed in a backpack. This allows for mobility during feeds.
Tube Feeds at School
If your school -aged child has a feeding tube, advance planning with your child’s school (before the school year begins) is important. The school will need information on who will administer feeds, how often feeds will be given, what to do or whom to call if there is a problem with the pump and instructions on what to do if the tube becomes dislodged. Your physician’s office or home health company can help you provide the necessary details to the school on your child’s particular feeding system.
Choosing a Tube and Feeding Method
The type of feeding tube and method of placement are best discussed with your medical team. Some physicians have more experience with one type of procedure or another. Not all EGID patients will have the same type of tube or procedure to place it. The details of any surgical procedure should always be discussed directly with your physician.
Terms
Bolus – feeding “all at once”
Endoscopic – via an endoscopy
G-Tube – Gastrostomy Tube
Gastric, Gastro – stomach
G-J Tube – Gastro-Jejunostomy Tube
HEN – Home Enteral Nutrition.
J Tube – Jejunostomy Tube
Jejuno – jejunum, the second portion of the small intestine
Naso – nose
NG – Nasogastric Tube
-ostomy – new opening
Percutaneous – through the skin
PEJ – Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy
Stoma – The actual hole or opening in the body that the tube passes through.
TPN – Total Parenteral Nutrition.
Resources:
Oley Foundation
Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation
Children’s Medical Nutrition Alliance
APFED’s Educational Webinar Series
© American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders 2006-2015. Revised 11-25-10, Author: Beth Mays. Revised by Wendy Book, MD.