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Feeding tube

Feeding tube

Overview

A feeding tube is a small, soft, plastic tube placed through the nose or mouth into the stomach. A feeding tube is used to provide food and medicine into the stomach until a person can take food by mouth.

Review Date 4/1/2024

Updated by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.