Feeding tube

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Nasogastric tube

A nasogastric tube (NG tube) is a tube, inserted into a nostril of the nose, into the throat, down the esophagus and into the stomach. It is suitable only for relatively short-term use, as it is uncomfortable and tends to be removed by the patient. It is used for nasogastric suction (for intestinal decompression), and for administration of medications to those unable to swallow. A slightly more flexible and thinner version, a nasogastric feeding tube, is used for enteral feedings and hydration in patients who either cannot eat, or who have swallowing difficulties that would result in pneumonia if they were permitted to attempt to eat.

Related Topics:
Nasogastric tube - Nostril - Throat - Esophagus - Stomach

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Swallowing difficulties are often casued by cerebrovascular accident (stroke), can also be due to obstruction as a result of growths such as tumours in the mouth, throat or oesophagus.

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