Traveling With A Feeding Tube

Having a feeding tube can be difficult to manage. Travelling away from home should not add an unnecessary burden. By asking the right questions and being prepared, people with feeding tubes can learn to travel a little bit easier, according to the Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation.

First, get a doctor’s approval to see if travel is appropriate, and, if so, get their pager or cell-phone number. It’s a good idea to have a copy of these numbers at all times. When travelling with a feeding tube, quick access to a healthcare professional familiar with the patient’s medical history and unique set of complexities is important.

Second, review guidelines from safety organizations like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). According to the Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation, a patient or caregiver needs to know the liquid guidelines and limits. When being screened at an airport, remember that TSA can provide discreet, even private, pat-downs. Travelling with a small card informing attendants of a feeding-tube user’s condition might also be a good idea, and it can avoid drawing unneeded attention.

For more information, go to Feeding Tube Awareness, which provides resources covering what/how to pack, developing an emergency plan, and information on how to travel with medical liquids.

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.