Nasogastric (NG) feeding is a medical method of delivering nutrition and medication directly into the stomach through a thin, flexible tube inserted through the nose. This approach is used when individuals cannot consume adequate food or fluids orally. It provides temporary nutritional support, helping patients recover from various conditions, and is generally a short-term solution.
Understanding Nasogastric Feeding
Nasogastric feeding involves a specialized tube, known as an NG tube, which passes from the nostril, down the throat and esophagus, and into the stomach. This tube serves as a direct conduit for delivering liquid nutrition and medications, providing necessary calories, fluids, and nutrients when a person is unable to eat or drink sufficiently by mouth.
Many medical situations may necessitate NG feeding. Conditions like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or severe malnutrition often require this intervention to ensure proper nourishment. It is also used in patients recovering from certain gastrointestinal issues, head and neck cancers, or after surgeries where oral intake is temporarily not possible. NG tubes are generally a short-term solution, used for a few weeks to several months, depending on the patient’s recovery and nutritional needs.
Administering Nasogastric Feeding
The insertion of an NG tube is performed by a trained healthcare professional, such as a nurse, and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The process involves measuring the tube, lubricating the tip, and gently guiding it through the nostril, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. Proper placement is confirmed, often through a chest X-ray or by checking the pH level of stomach fluid, before any feeding begins.
Once the tube is in place, feeding can be administered using different methods. Bolus feeding involves giving a specific amount of formula at regular intervals, often over 15 to 30 minutes. Continuous feeding delivers nutrition at a steady, slow rate over several hours, using a pump. The choice between bolus and continuous feeding depends on individual tolerance and medical needs. Nutritional formulas used are commercially prepared liquids that contain all essential nutrients; these can be standard, elemental (pre-digested nutrients), or specialized formulas tailored for specific medical conditions like diabetes or kidney failure.
Living with a Nasogastric Tube
Daily care of an NG tube is important to prevent complications and ensure its proper function. Regular hygiene practices include cleaning the skin around the tube insertion site with warm water and a clean washcloth to remove any crusts or secretions. It is also important to regularly brush teeth and rinse the mouth to prevent dryness and irritation. The tube should be securely taped to the nose and cheek to prevent accidental dislodgment and periodically retaped to avoid pressure ulcers.
Maintaining tube patency involves flushing the NG tube with warm water regularly, typically after each feeding or medication administration, or at least once daily for continuous feeds, to prevent clogging. If the tube becomes clogged, gently pushing water with a syringe may help clear it. Common concerns and potential complications include tube displacement, indicated by coughing, gagging, or difficulty breathing, which requires immediate medical attention. Other issues like skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can occur, and persistent symptoms or tube blockage warrant contacting a healthcare provider. Having a spare tube on hand can also be a practical tip for managing daily life with an NG tube.