Why would a person need a feeding tube?

Introduction. Your body needs nutrition to stay strong and help you live a healthy life. If youre unable to eat, or if you have an illness that makes it hard to swallow food, you may need a feeding tube. The tube is surgically inserted into your stomach and is used to give food, liquids, and medicines.

What conditions require enteral feeding?

Specific indications for enteral nutrition include the following:Prolonged anorexia.Severe protein-energy undernutrition.Coma or depressed sensorium.Liver failure.Inability to take oral feedings due to head or neck trauma.Critical illnesses (eg, burns) causing metabolic stress.