How does a feeding tube work for anorexia?

A form of enteral feeding, the NG tube is inserted through the nostril, down the esophagus and into the stomach, where nutrition is delivered directly at a volume and frequency based on the metabolic needs of the patient.

Can you force feed a patient?

Doctors are legally entitled to force- feed anorexic patients to stop them from dying, according to guidelines from the mental health watchdog.

How bad is a NG tube?

Your NG tube can also potentially become blocked, torn, or dislodged. This can lead to additional complications. Using an NG tube for too long can also cause ulcers or infections in your sinuses, throat, esophagus, or stomach. If you need long-term tube feedings, your doctor will likely recommend a gastrostomy tube.

Can a feeding tube be forced?

Cases that involve force-feeding of people with anorexia through a nasal or stomach tube often get the most news attention. This type of treatment, though, falls at one extreme of a spectrum, from persuasion by family members or healthcare professionals to involuntary, legal action.

Can you be forced to have a feeding tube?

Thousands of elderly people are being forced to have tubes fitted so they can be artificially fed if they want to be admitted to a care home, a major report warns today.

How is force-feeding done?

Force-feeding (or forcible-feeding, as it was once termed) involves inserting a stomach tube into the mouth of a prisoner/patient which is then passed downwards through the throat and oesophagus before eventually arriving in the stomach.

Why do doctors put tubes in your nose?

Nasogastric intubation can be used to obtain a sample of stomach fluid. The tube is passed through the nose rather than through the mouth, primarily because the tube can be more easily guided to the esophagus (the hollow tube that leads from the throat to the stomach).