PEG Tube: What It Is, Who Needs It, and What You Should Know

When someone can’t eat or swallow safely, a PEG tube, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach to deliver nutrition. Also known as a feeding tube, it’s a life-saving tool for people recovering from stroke, neurological conditions, or advanced cancer. It’s not a last resort—it’s a practical, common solution that lets people get the calories, fluids, and meds they need without risking choking or aspiration.

PEG tubes are used in situations where the body still digests food fine but the mouth or throat can’t move it down. Think stroke survivors, people with ALS, advanced dementia, or head and neck cancers. It’s not for everyone—doctors check if the stomach works, if the patient can tolerate it, and if the benefits outweigh the risks. Unlike IV nutrition, a PEG tube delivers real food, which helps maintain gut health and is cheaper long-term. It’s also less invasive than surgical alternatives and can be placed in under an hour with mild sedation.

People on PEG tubes often need help with cleaning the site, checking for leaks or infections, and flushing the tube after each feed or med. Complications like skin irritation, tube blockage, or accidental removal happen, but most are manageable with simple steps. Many patients live years with a PEG tube and maintain good quality of life. Caregivers and patients alike learn how to manage it—often with training from nurses or dietitians. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps people alive, strong, and sometimes even social.

What you won’t find in most brochures is how PEG tubes tie into broader health issues. For example, people on long-term tube feeding often need extra vitamins, especially B12 and D, because their diets lack variety. Some develop gut problems from not chewing or from medications that slow digestion. Others struggle with the emotional side—feeling like they’ve lost control over eating, a basic human pleasure. That’s why support isn’t just medical—it’s psychological too.

Behind every PEG tube is a story: a parent feeding a child with cerebral palsy, an older adult who survived a stroke but can’t swallow again, a cancer patient getting nutrition between chemo sessions. These aren’t just medical cases—they’re everyday lives being sustained by a simple device. The posts below cover what matters most: how to prevent infections, how to handle common problems like clogs or leaks, what supplements work best with tube feeds, and how to talk to doctors about long-term care. You’ll also find advice on medications that interact with tube feeds, how to spot signs of malnutrition, and what to do if the tube comes out unexpectedly. This isn’t theory—it’s real-world guidance from people who’ve been there.