Steroids may cause your child to overeat and cause a temporary increase in weight. In some cases, your healthcare team may want to limit further weight gain. A food plan where your child is eating enough food, but with less fat and calories may be implemented. 

Avoid forcing any food on your child. The appetite usually returns to normal after a specific phase of treatment is over.

If your child cannot eat enough by mouth to keep the body working well, a special nutrient formula may be given through a tube. The tube may be placed in the nose and go into the stomach (NG tube or nasogastric tube).

A tube can also be surgically placed right into the stomach (gastrostomy or PEG). The formula will give your child fluid, calories, protein. vitamins, and minerals.

You will be taught how to use the tube at home.

If your child cannot tolerate tube feedings, or there is another medical reason to prevent the use of a tube, a different nutrient formula can be given through the IV. This special formula is called total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

TPN will only be used if your child has nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or another medical problem that prevents the use of feeding through a tube.