Naso-gastric (NG) Tubes
A naso-gastric (NG) Tube is a soft and flexible tube that goes through the nose into the stomach. The tube is used for nutrition, fluids, medicine, or decompression.
A NG Tube is used to feed someone who is unable to eat all their nutrition by mouth. Nutrition is fed right into the stomach. NG Tubes are often used short-term. Some people can eat some food by mouth but may need extra nutrition. Your healthcare team will tell you the reason for needing a feeding tube.
Here are some possible reasons:
- Stroke, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease or a head injury. This can cause a person to have a hard time swallowing.
- Head or neck cancer. This can cause the throat to be blocked.
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Burns and facial injuries
- COPD (a lung condition that causes difficulty breathing)
- Anorexia and poor appetite
- People who are on a ventilator (usually in intensive care/ICU)
- People who are not fully conscious or cannot eat safely by mouth
If you need a feeding tube for a long period of time, your healthcare team may recommend a gastrostomy tube (G Tube).
How is a NG Tube placed?
The NG Tube is passed through the nose and down the esophagus (the food pipe) and into the stomach. NG Tubes are usually placed by the healthcare team in the hospital or clinic while the patient is awake. Extra equipment is used to make sure that the tube is in the correct position. This might be an x-ray or an electromagnetic placement device.
Some people can have NG feedings at home. The nurses will teach you how to give feedings, how to care for your tube, and what to do if it falls out or moves out of the nose. To learn more about how NG Tubes are placed, visit the NG Tube procedure page.
How do I feed nutrition through the tube?
People need food for health, energy, growth, and development. Food has calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. Because the feeding goes right into the stomach, it does not matter what it tastes like, so flavor does not need to be added.
Some people who have a NG Tube may still be able to eat food by mouth but not able to get all the important nutrients their body needs orally. They use the NG Tube feeding for extra nutrition. However, being able to eat by mouth depends on your medical condition and the reason for having an NG Tube.
There are many formulas or feeding choices for tube feeding. Your healthcare team will choose what is best for you. A dietitian will work with you to make a feeding plan before you leave the hospital. Your healthcare team should help you find a feeding schedule that fits best into your family routine. This can change as your needs change.
Here are some common ways to feed with your NG Tube:
- Bolus Feeding: This is also called “intermittent” feeding. It is when a set amount of nutrition is given through the tube over a short period of time, usually about 20 minutes. It travels down the tube using gravity with a syringe or an electric pump.
- Continuous Feeding: This is where your nutrition is given over a few hours. This method of feeding often uses an electronic pump to push the nutrition into the tube. Feedings can be done during the daytime or overnight.
- Combination Feeding: This uses both methods. It is common to get bolus feedings during the day and a continuous feedings overnight.
Sometimes you may need extra water to meet daily fluid needs. Just like people drink something along with their meal, you will need some extra water with your nutrition. This is called “extra free water.” Your healthcare team or dietitian will tell you how much extra free water you need. Extra water is often given after medicines, or in between or after feedings.
You will be taught exactly what to do before going home. You will also be given information to take home in case you forget anything. Your healthcare team should tell you who to contact with any questions or concerns.
What supplies are needed?
You will be given all the supplies and nutrition for feedings you need at home. Supplies will be sent to you routinely and you will be told how to order these. A case worker will help get these supplies delivered to your home.
Find a place to store the supplies where they can be kept safe, clean and easy to access. You can dispose of used supplies in the household garbage.
Always follow the instructions for using your supplies to avoid problems like infections. Infections can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Some of the supplies may include:
- Syringes
- Feeding pump
These supplies will attach to the feeding tube. Talk to your healthcare team about your nutrition and a feeding schedule.You will be given all the supplies and nutrition for feedings you need at home. Supplies will be sent to you routinely and you will be told how to order these. A case worker will help get these supplies delivered to your home.
When does the tube get changed?
If the tube is needed for a few months, usually the tube is changed every month. The tube often is changed in a clinic or hospital. Sometimes the tube can be changed at home. Ask your healthcare team how and where to do this.
Instructions for Use (IFU) and Patient Guides
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