Diagnosis
Feeding tubes are inserted into children and adults who cannot consume nutrition orally, have difficulty swallowing safely, or require additional nutritional support. The approach to determining candidacy for enteral nutrition depends on the specific underlying condition. Below are some common assessments medical providers use to diagnose the need for tube feeding in both children and adults.
Swallow Studies
A swallowing study is a test that shows what your throat and esophagus do while you swallow. The test uses X-rays in real-time (fluoroscopy) to film as you swallow, and you'll swallow a substance called barium mixed with liquid and food. The barium shows the movements of your throat and esophagus on the X-ray while you swallow.
Esophageal Manometry
Esophageal manometry (muh-NOM-uh-tree) is a test that shows how well the esophagus is working. It measures muscle contractions of the esophagus as water moves through to the stomach. This test can be helpful in diagnosing esophageal conditions, especially if you have trouble swallowing.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy involves passing a thin, flexible lighted instrument, called an endoscope, down the throat. This allows your healthcare team to see your esophagus. Tissue samples, called biopsies, may be collected. The samples are studied to look for inflammation, eosinophilic esophagitis, narrowing or a tumor.
Fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
During a FEES study, a healthcare professional examines the throat with an endoscope during swallowing.
Imaging scans
These can include a CT scan or an MRI scan. A CT scan combines a series of X-ray views and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the body's bones and soft tissues. An MRI scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues.