In which cases is enteral nutrition recommended?

Enteral nutrition is a crucial approach in the healthcare field and plays a vital role in the care of patients who are unable to consume food orally.

In this session, we will explore in detail in which situations enteral nutrition is recommended, its importance and how it is safely administered.

Indications for Enteral Nutrition

Oral Feeding Difficulties: Enteral nutrition is recommended when a patient is unable to consume food orally due to a medical condition, such as severe dysphagia, neurological damage or oral surgery.

Malnutrition or Malnutrition: In cases of malnutrition or malnutrition, enteral nutrition is used to provide essential nutrients and help the patient regain nutritional status.

Gastrointestinal Surgery: After certain gastrointestinal surgeries, such as gastrectomy or intestinal resection, enteral nutrition may be necessary to allow the digestive system to recover properly.

Chronic diseases: Patients with chronic diseases, such as Crohn's disease or cancer, may require enteral nutrition to maintain nutritional function during treatment or illness.

Intensive Care: In intensive care units, enteral nutrition is commonly used to maintain nutrition in patients who are unable to eat due to their medical condition.

Importance of Enteral Nutrition

Prevention of Malnutrition: Enteral nutrition is critical to prevent malnutrition in patients who cannot adequately feed orally.

Supporting Recovery: After surgery or serious illness, enteral nutrition provides the nutrients needed to support recovery and healing.

Improving Quality of Life: For patients with chronic feeding difficulties, enteral nutrition improves quality of life by ensuring the intake of essential nutrients.

Types of Enteral Nutrition

Continuous Enteral Nutrition: Administered continuously through an infusion pump over an extended period of time.

Intermittent E