What Does Nasogastric Intubation and Feeding Address?
Nasogastric (NG) intubation is a procedure during which a thin, plastic tube is inserted through the nostril, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. Once an NG tube is in place, healthcare providers can deliver food and medicine directly to the stomach or remove substances from it.
Nasogastric (NG) intubation is most often used to deliver food and medicine to a patient when they are unable to eat or swallow.
Patients most likely to need an NG tube include:
- comatose patients
- patients with neck or facial injuries, or recent
- patients breathing with the assistance of a
- premature infants
An NG tube may also be used to remove poisonous substances or deliver
medicine to neutralize a potentially dangerous substance. Patients with a
suspected drug overdose or accidental poisoning may receive NG tubes so that
healthcare providers can reduce the chances of death or severe reaction and
deliver treatment more quickly.
In addition, an NG tube may be used to remove contents of the stomach
for testing or analysis. The contents of the stomach can tell doctors how well the
gastrointestinal tract is functioning. An NG tube can also be used to remove an
intestinal obstruction or blockage that may be causing pain, discomfort, and
Where Will Nasogastric Intubation and Feeding Be Administered?
NG tubes are usually administered in the hospital. However, some
patients may receive NG tubes while at home.
In the hospital, the NG tube is inserted while the patient is lying
down. At home, a trained caregiver will do this procedure. The patient is
instructed to bend their head, neck, and body at various angles as the tube is
pushed through the nostril, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. These
movements will help ease the tube into position without causing much pain or
discomfort. The patient is sometimes asked to swallow or take small sips of
water while the tube is in the esophagus so that the tube can slide more
easily. The doctor will reposition the tube if it is causing discomfort or pain.
When the NG tube is in place, a healthcare provider will check the
placement by attempting to draw fluid out of the stomach. They might also do
this by inserting air through the tube and into the stomach, while listening
with a stethoscope, or use an X-ray. The healthcare provider will also secure
the NG tube with a piece of tape so you cannot accidentally remove it.
What Are the Benefits of Nasogastric Intubation and Feeding?
For patients who are unable to eat or drink, NG intubation and feeding
is one way to ensure they’re receiving adequate nutrition and medication. Also,
NG intubation is a less invasive alternative to surgery in the event an intestinal
obstruction can be removed easily without surgery.
What Are the Risks of Nasogastric Intubation and Feeding?
If a patient is conscious when the NG tube is inserted, they may feel
some discomfort as the tube is passed through the nostril and into the stomach.
If the NG tube is not properly inserted, it can injure the tissue
inside the sinuses, throat, esophagus, or stomach. Tubes can also mistakenly be
placed into the lungs; food and medicine may pass into the lungs if this were
NG tube feedings also have some complications. These include:
- abdominal cramping or swelling from feedings
that are too large
- nausea and vomiting
- regurgitation of the food or medicine
- aspiration of the food or medicine (food or
medicine accidentally making its way into your lungs)
- a tube obstruction or blockage
- a tube perforation or tear
- tubes coming out of place and causing additional
An NG tube is meant to be used only on a short-term basis. Using a
temporary NG tube for too long can lead to sinusitis, infections, and
ulcerations on the tissue of your sinuses, throat, esophagus, or stomach. For
long-term tube feedings, a doctor may wish to perform minor surgery and insert
a gastrostomy tube.
For the most part, patients do not have to prepare for an NG intubation
or feeding. Before inserting the tube, a patient may need to blow their nose
and take a few sips of water. Once the tube is inserted into the nostril, they
may need to swallow or drink water to help ease the NG tube through the esophagus.
What Are the Desired Results?
Once the NG tube is placed and secured, it is used to deliver food and
medicine or remove substances from the stomach. Patients fitted with the NG
tube need to maintain good oral health practices (brushing teeth regularly) and
cleaning their nose frequently. Healthcare providers will also need to check
for signs of irritation, infection, or ulceration while the NG tube is in
place. They can be asked to change the tape daily to keep the skin from
breaking out or becoming irritated and sensitive.