When people need artificial hydration and nutrition?
If a patient is unable to swallow (swallow food) due to a medical problem, he or she can be given fluids and nutrients in other ways than through the mouth. This is known as artificial nutrition and hydration. This is sometimes done when someone is recovering from a temporary problem. It can also be done when someone is in an advanced stage of terminal illness and is dying.

What is involved in artificial nutrition and hydration?
Cover with a catheter (a plastic tube that slides over a needle) IV, IV in the vein of the patient under the skin of the same. Fluids and sometimes nutrition are given through the catheter.
Another method is artificial nutrition and hydration through a plastic tube called a nasogastric tube, also called an NG tube. This tube is placed through the nose down the throat and into the stomach.


Can only be left for a short time, usually one to four weeks. If the tube has to be in longer, you may be using a different type of feeding tube. This is put on the wall of the stomach tube is also known as PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) or G-tube (Gastrostomy).

What happens if artificial hydration and nutrition are not given?
People who do not receive any food or fluids will eventually fall into a deep sleep (coma) and usually die in one to three weeks.



What are the benefits?
A person with a temporary illness that can not swallow may be hungry and thirsty. A feeding tube can be helpful. Sometimes a person may become confused because of dehydration. Dehydration is when the body does not get enough fluids. Giving a patient fluids through a tube help with dehydration and may decrease the confusion about him or her. Giving fluids and nutrition helps the patient as he or she is recovering.
For a patient with a terminal illness in advanced stage and that is dying, artificial feeding and hydration can not provide many benefits. Artificial hydration and nutrition in these patients may make the patient live a little longer, but not always.

What are the risks?
Always a risk when someone is fed through a tube. Liquid might enter the lungs. This can cause coughing and pneumonia. Feeding tubes may feel uncomfortable. They can become plugged, causing pain, nausea and vomiting. Feeding tubes may also cause infections. Sometimes patients have to be physically restrained or sedated to keep them from pulling out the tube.

How do we decide whether or not to use artificial nutrition and hydration?
The patient and family should talk to your doctor about the patient’s medical condition and the risks and benefits of giving artificial nutrition and hydration. Your doctor can help you make the decision that is right for the patient and family.