[Digestive and respiratory complications in enteral nutrition]

Enteral nutrition is a safe technique but complications may arise. Mechanical problems can occur as a result of tube malposition: regurgitation can induce respiratory distress. Esophagitis is rare and does not seem to be related to acid gastro-oesophageal reflux. Diarrhea, the main gastro-intestinal side effect, has a complex etiology; management requires knowledge of gastro-intestinal physiology during enteral nutrition. Many of the problems encountered with enteral feeding can be avoided by using a fine bore tube, administering the feed by continuous infusion, and careful monitoring of patients for metabolic abnormalities.