Tube feeding, also called enteral nutrition, is a way to give people adequate nutrition when they are not able to swallow or digest regular food. Food in liquid form is given to the person by way of a tube inserted into the stomach or intestines.
Tube feeding is an alternative to feeding people through their veins.
When a person cannot take in enough food and is in danger of malnutrition, tube feeding is considered. There are a number of reasons that a person may not be able to eat in the usual way. The reason for feeding by tube may be a condition that is temporary or permanent. If a person is critically ill, such as with severe burns, he or she may be too sick to eat. The doctor may order tube feedings to prevent undernourishment while the person is getting better.