Aspiration: Accidentally inhaling liquid into the windpipe and/or lungs.
Bolus Feeding: Large amounts of formula delivered through the tube.
Constipation: Bowel movements (stools) sometimes painful, and difficult to pass.
Continuous Feeding: Feeding small amounts of formula constantly throughout the day (or night) without interruption.
Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, watery bowel movements.
Esophagus: The passage in the throat through which food passes from the mouth into the stomach.
Feeding Pump: A small machine, plug-in or battery powered, that automatically controls the amount of formula being delivered through the feeding tube.
Feeding Set: Tubing that connects the feeding container to the feeding tube.
Gastroesophageal Reflux: Backing up of formula or gastric juice from the stomach into the esophagus.
Gastrointestinal Decompression: The removal of gas or fluid from the stomach. (also called "venting").
Gastrostomy: A surgical opening (stoma) through the skin into the stomach.
Granulation Tissue: Fleshy projections formed on the surface of the stoma that will later form fibrous scar tissue.
Gravity Drip: Formula flows into the stomach by gravity.
G-Tube: Gastrostomy tube. A tube that passes through the skin into the stomach. Also called feeding tube.
Intermittent Feeding: Feeding smaller amounts of formula frequently during the day or night. Intermittent feeding supplements night-time continuous feeding.
Nutrients: Food or any substance that nourishes the body – protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Stoma: Surgical opening through which a feeding tube can enter the body.
Stomach Residual: Contents of the last feeding remaining in the stomach just before the next feeding is to be given.
