Nasogastric (NG) feeding

Nasogastric feeding is usually recommended if you are likely to need to be given nutritional support for only a short time. NG feeding may also be used for people having radiotherapy to the mouth, throat or gullet, if swallowing becomes difficult due to swelling from the radiotherapy.

How an NG tube is put in
You will need to be in a comfortable position, sitting upright. A thin, flexible tube is gently inserted into your nostril, down the back of the throat, down the gullet (oesophagus) and into your stomach. It is important that the person inserting the NG tube checks that it is correctly positioned in your stomach.

This is done by drawing some fluid out from the tube using a syringe. As stomach fluid is very acidic, fluid drawn out from the tube is tested for acidity with a pH indicator to show whether or not the tube is in the stomach. Sometimes an x-ray may be necessary to make sure that the tube is correctly placed in the stomach.

Once the tube is correctly positioned it will be taped to your nose or cheek to keep it in place.

Your dietitian will work out how much liquid food you need to have each day and you can be given this through the tube by the hospital staff. If you are at home, the liquid food can be prescribed by your GP, who will ask your local pharmacy to supply it for you.

Other fluids, such as liquid medicines, can be given through the tube. Your dietitian, doctor, nurses or pharmacist can advise you about which medicines can be given through the tube. They will show you how to give them properly. Medicines can block the tube if they are not diluted properly and flushed through with plenty of liquid.