What is this NG tube? (Nasogastric Tube) Let's find out exactly.

Have you ever been to a hospital ward and seen some patients with a thin tube inserted into their nose? Maybe you've even seen one in your own family or friend. Many people are a little scared when they see this, and they feel sad about it. But what exactly is this tube that is inserted into their nose? Why is it inserted? Does it hurt? Today we'll talk about all this very simply.

What is this NG tube?

Simply put, this is what we call a Nasogastric Tube in medicine, or NG Tube for short. The name itself has a meaning. 'Naso' means nose, 'Gastric' means stomach. So this is a thin, flexible plastic tube that is inserted through a hole in the nose, down the throat, through the esophagus, and into the stomach.

This is not something that is meant to be kept permanently. It is used for temporary medical purposes. It does two main things. It either sends something into the stomach, or it removes something from the stomach.

In what situations is an NG tube used?

As we mentioned earlier, there are two main reasons for using an NG tube. Let's look at it this way to understand it clearly.

How is an NG tube inserted?

This is done by a trained doctor or nurse. Although it may seem scary, they try to make it as easy as possible for the patient.

Preparations before inserting the tube

• First, a doctor or nurse will fully explain the procedure to you or the patient's guardian and obtain permission .
• If possible, the patient is placed upright in bed .
• A special type of lubricating gel is applied to the end of the tube to make it easier to insert.
• To reduce discomfort in the nose and throat, an anesthetic spray is used to numb the area.
• Depending on the patient's body size, the length of the tube to be inserted is measured in advance and the location of the tube is marked .

How to insert the tube

Imagine, now everything is ready. The doctor very carefully inserts the tube through one of the nostrils and points it towards the back of the throat. When the tube reaches the throat, the patient is given a straw and asked to drink water through it . When you swallow a sip of water, the esophagus opens. At that moment, the tube is very gently pushed down. This way, the tube does not go into the windpipe, but goes straight down the esophagus to the stomach.

If the patient coughs or has difficulty breathing, the tube is immediately stopped, and the insertion is repeated after a while. After the tube is inserted as far as the previously marked point, a plaster is gently applied to the nose and cheek to prevent the tube from moving.

How do you make sure the tube went exactly into the stomach?

This is the most important step . Because it is very dangerous if the tube goes into the lungs by mistake. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that the tube is in the stomach. There are two ways to do this.

1. Chest X-ray: This is the most accurate and safest method . After the tube is first inserted, an X-ray is taken to see exactly where the tube is.

2. Aspirate pH test: Since it is difficult to take an X-ray every time, this method is also used. Using a syringe, a small amount of stomach fluid is withdrawn through a tube. The acid level (pH) of that fluid is then tested. If the stomach is acidic, and the pH is low, the tube is in the right place.

Does it hurt when you have an NG tube in place?

To be honest, this is not a "severe pain." But there may be some discomfort and an unfamiliar feeling. It may feel like something is stuck in your throat. But doctors and nurses take steps to minimize this discomfort as much as possible. For example, they use numbing spray, secure the tube so that it doesn't move, and apply special ointments to the skin around the nose.

How long can this tube be kept in? And what are the side effects?

An NG tube is temporary. It is usually not left in place for more than 6 weeks . If a person needs to be fed through a tube for longer than that, the doctor may suggest another method. For example, a gastrostomy tube, which is inserted through a small incision in the stomach and directly into the stomach through the skin.

If the tube is inserted properly and maintained properly, serious side effects are rare. However, some minor things can happen.

• Discomfort and pain in the nose and throat.
• Nosebleed.
• Sinus infection.
• The pipe accidentally came loose.

However, if a mistake is made during tube insertion, serious complications such as the tube entering the windpipe can occur. However, this is very unlikely to happen under the supervision of trained medical staff.

When to notify the doctor immediately

If you or someone you know has an NG tube in place, notify your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or swelling at the insertion site.
• If you have difficulty breathing .
• If you suddenly cough, choke, or vomit .
• If there is blood coming from the tube or if there is blood in the stool.
• If the tube feels clogged .
• If the tube accidentally falls off or comes out.

In a situation like this, especially if there is difficulty breathing, it is important to immediately go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

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