Nasogastric Tube (NG tube)

A nasogastric tube (NG tube) is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted through the nose and down into the stomach. It is used to deliver food and medication to people who are unable to eat or drink normally.

NG tubes are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Feeding: People who are unable to eat enough food orally may need supplemental feeding through an NG tube. This can be due to a variety of conditions, such as stroke, head injury, or cancer.
• Decompression: NG tubes can be used to decompress the stomach, which can be helpful for people with conditions such as bowel obstruction or ileus.
• Medication administration: NG tubes can be used to administer medications that cannot be taken orally, such as chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics.

NG tubes are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, there are some potential risks associated with their use, such as infection, nosebleeds, and aspiration (breathing in food or liquid into the lungs).