Nasogastric tube placement
nasogastric tube · NG tube · feeding tube through the nose · stomach tube
A thin, soft tube is passed through your nose into your stomach. It is used for feeding, giving medicines, or draining the stomach.
When a person cannot swallow or eat on their own, after some surgeries, for a bowel blockage, or for poisoning.
⏱ Duration: placement usually takes 5 to 15 minutes; the tube stays as long as needed, from hours to weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Prep. Usually no special prep. The nurse will explain what to do.
- Signal. Agree on a hand signal you can use if you want to stop.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- You sit up with your head tilted slightly forward
- The nurse measures how far the tube needs to go
- The tip of the tube is coated with gel, and sometimes your nose is numbed
- The tube is passed through a nostril
- When it reaches your throat, you are asked to swallow. Small sips of water may help, if allowed
- The tube position is checked, sometimes with an X-ray
- The tube is taped to your nose
What you'll feel
- It is unpleasant and may make you gag. Swallowing helps
- Your eyes may water
- While the tube is in, your throat may feel scratchy
Afterwards
- Do not pull or move the tube yourself
- The nurse checks your nose and the skin under the tape
- If you go home with the tube, you will be taught how to feed and flush it
- Removing the tube is quick and almost painless
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Coughing, choking, or trouble breathing during feeding: stop the feed and call the nurse right away or call emergency services
- The tube has come out or moved: do not put it back yourself. Tell the nurse
- A nosebleed that will not stop
Common questions
Can I talk with the tube in?
Yes. The tube gets in the way a little, but you can talk.
How long can the tube stay in?
It depends on the reason. Usually a few days or weeks. If it is needed for longer, your doctor may suggest another method.