What Is a Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube)?

A nasogastric (NG) tube is a thin, soft tube that goes in through the nose, down the throat, and into the stomach. They're used to feed formula to a child who can't get nutrition by mouth. Sometimes, kids get medicine through the tube.

NG tubes are used for short periods of time, usually a few weeks to months.

Who Needs an NG Tube?

Kids need NG tubes when they can't eat and drink enough to stay healthy. This may happen when:

• a baby is born early
• a child has trouble swallowing
• a child has a digestive problem or inflammation of the digestive tract
• a child needs extra calories

What Happens During NG Tube Placement?

In the hospital, a health care provider trained in placing NG tubes can insert the tube at a child's bedside. When they do this short procedure, they:

• Measure the tube against the child to be sure it's the right length.
• Lubricate the tube with water or a special jelly.
• Insert the tube into a nostril and guide it down the esophagus, into the stomach.
• Check to make sure the NG tube is placed correctly.
• Tape the tube to the child's cheek to hold it in place.

Are There Any Risks From NG Tube Placement?

Inserting the tube into the wrong place is a risk of NG tube placement. That's why it's important to be sure the end of the tube reaches into the stomach.

How Do I Care for the NG Tube at Home?

If your child has an NG tube, it's normal to feel a little bit nervous about it at first. But soon you'll feel confident about giving feeds and changing it.

Here are some tips:

• Always wash your hands well before caring for the NG tube or giving a feed or medicine.
• Always keep the feeding set tubing out of the way of infants and children. There is a risk that the feeding set tubing can get wrapped around a child’s neck, which could lead to strangulation or death.
• Check that the tube is placed into the stomach and is working well before you use it.
• Know what to do if the tube gets blocked or comes out.
• Keep the area around your child's nose clean using gauze pads and warm water.
• Check the skin around the nose regularly for signs of irritation or infection, like redness, tenderness, warmth, swelling, or drainage.
• Switch nostrils each time you change the NG tube.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call the care team if your child has any of these symptoms:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• a swollen or hard belly
• bleeding from the nose or mouth
• vomiting
• belly pain
• blood in the stool (poop)
• a fever
• a cough
• fussiness or irritability

If your child has trouble breathing or is choking:

1. Stop the feed.
2. Remove the tube.
3. Call your care team.
4. Call 911 if the problems continue.