This section includes information on tests that children with feeding tubes may receive, as well as information on the different conditions requiring tube feeding. In addition to a list of conditions, we include pages on some of the more common types of conditions, such as swallowing disorders, motility disorders, eosinophilic disorders, chromosome or genetic disorders, and mitochondrial diseases.
This page contains basic descriptions of many of the tests children with feeding tubes undergo as they are being evaluated or diagnosed. These include both GI-related tests, such as a swallow study or endoscopy, as well as other tests, including allergy testing or genetic testing.
There are hundreds of conditions that can lead to a child needing a feeding tube. See a comprehensive list of them on our Condition List page.
Many children who have feeding tubes require them because they are unable to swallow safely. Learn the reasons why a child may not be able to swallow safely, as well as treatments to improve swallowing.
Many children with feeding tubes have a motility disorder, in which food or formula does not move through the GI tract as it should. From reflux to slow gastric emptying to constipation, this page describes many of the various types of motility disorders, including symptoms, causes, and potential treatments.
Eosinophilic disorders are becoming more widely diagnosed, and many children with these disorders require tube feeding. Learn about the various forms of eosinophilic disorders, as well as symptoms and testing.
Children with genetic and chromosomal conditions often require feeding tubes. This page of our website discusses some of the symptoms, tests, and diagnoses that may be relevant to families.
Children who have medical problems with multiple body systems may have mitochondrial diseases. This group of diseases often affects the GI tract, leading to the need for a feeding tube. Find out more about symptoms and diagnosis on this page.