Description: Nutritional support refers to the provision of nutrients to patients who cannot obtain them through normal means, such as oral feeding. This approach is crucial in the medical field, especially for those suffering from diseases that affect their ability to eat or absorb nutrients properly. Nutritional support can be administered in various ways, including enteral nutrition, which involves delivering nutrients directly to the gastrointestinal tract via tubes, and parenteral nutrition, which provides nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. The importance of nutritional support lies in its ability to prevent malnutrition, improve patient recovery, and maintain quality of life. Additionally, it is considered an essential component in the management of chronic diseases, surgeries, and cancer treatments, where adequate nutrition is fundamental for treatment success and patient recovery.
History: The concept of nutritional support has evolved over time, starting with enteral nutrition in ancient times, where rudimentary methods were used to feed patients unable to eat. However, the modern development of nutritional support began in the 1960s when specific nutritional formulas and more sophisticated administration techniques were introduced. Parenteral nutrition was developed in the 1960s and 1970s, allowing for the administration of nutrients through intravenous routes, revolutionizing the treatment of critically ill patients and those with severe gastrointestinal issues.
Uses: Nutritional support is primarily used in hospital settings for patients who cannot adequately feed themselves due to medical conditions, surgeries, or intensive treatments. It is applied in cases of malnutrition, chronic diseases such as cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and in intensive care patients. It is also used in pediatrics for premature infants or those with feeding issues.
Examples: Examples of nutritional support include administering enteral formulas through a nasogastric tube in patients with swallowing difficulties, and total parenteral nutrition delivered through a central catheter in patients with short bowel syndrome. Another example is the use of oral nutritional supplements in cancer patients experiencing weight loss and appetite decline.
