enteraalisen

Entreaalisen is a Finnish medical term used to describe feeding or medication administration that uses the gastrointestinal tract. In medical Finnish, enteraalinen describes approaches and products associated with enteral nutrition, as opposed to methods that bypass the gut. The genitive form enteraalisen appears in phrases such as enteraalisen ravitsemuksen.

Enteral nutrition (ENT) delivers nutrients through the GI tract and is possible when the digestive tract is functional. It can be provided through oral intake or via tube feeding. Common routes include nasogastric or orogastric tubes for short-term use, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or jejunostomy for longer-term support. The choice of route depends on swallowing ability, GI tract function, and risk of aspiration.

Formulas used in enteraalinen ravitsemus vary. Polymeric formulas are used when the gut can digest and absorb typical nutrients; elemental or semi-elemental formulas are used for malabsorption or specific digestive limitations. Nutritional plans are often tailored to calorie and protein needs, with adjustments for fluids, electrolytes, and micronutrients.

Indications include acute or chronic illnesses that impair intake, neurological or traumatic injuries affecting swallowing, and conditions requiring preservation of gut integrity. Advantages of enteral nutrition include maintenance of gut mucosa, lower infection risk, and cost effectiveness compared with intravenous nutrition. Contraindications include a nonfunctional GI tract or high risk of aspiration without adequate protection.

Common complications involve tube issues, aspiration, diarrhea or constipation, and metabolic disturbances. Monitoring focuses on tolerance, weight change, fluid balance, electrolyte status, and adherence to the prescribed formula.