What is a nasogastric (NG) tube?
A nasogastric (NG) tube is a flexible plastic tube that goes through the patient’s mouth or nose into the stomach. It is designed to remove stomach contents or provide a route to give medication or food to a patient who cannot swallow. The portion of the NG tube outside of the patient may be plugged closed, connected to a delivery device or connected to a suction device. NG tubes may be inserted while the patient is in the emergency department, operating room, ICU, or regular hospital ward. Does a NG tube hurt? The insertion of the NG tube is somewhat uncomfortable for an awake patient but once in place the NG tube usually causes very little irritation. Some patients, however, remain uncomfortable as long as an NG tube is in place. How is the NG tube kept in place? Typically, tape is used to secure the NG tube to the patient’s nose and hold the NG tube in place. How long is a NG tube used? That depends upon why the patient required the NG tube. Frequently a critically ill or injured pa
