If you or a loved one is using a nasogastric (NG) tube at home, it can feel a little intimidating and cumbersome to care for at first thought. But don’t worry! With the right knowledge – as we’re going to talk about next- and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to care for the NG tube confidently and safely. The TLDR version is basically all about the “3Cs.” Keep things clean, clear, and comfortable!

What is An NG Tube?

Before we dive into the how-to’s of caring for an it, let’s talk a little a bit about what an NG tube is and why you might need it.

An NG tube is a thin, flexible tube that goes through the nose, down the esophagus, into the stomach. It’s typically used for feeding, medication delivery, or for draining stomach contents in cases such as poisoning or a child ingesting a medicine intended for adults. Whether it’s needed for a short-term recovery or a longer period, caring for it properly is key to preventing complications and ensuring the patient’s comfort.

What’s An NG Tube used for?

Oral Feeding Through NG Tube

Assuming one cannot swallow food as a result of an ailment or injury, it is possible to use an NG tube to deliver liquid nutrition to the stomach directly. It can act as a temporary substitute for oral eating when it is considered unsafe or not practicable. Depending on the situation, type of mediator and equipment available, there are different possible NG tube uses Feeding is one which covers a wide variety of applications.

Drainage of stomach contents is possible using the NG tube

This could include content like bile and acids. Conditions such as severe gasterointenstinal obstructions, which is when the stomach outlet is blocked and food can’t pass through to the rest of the digestive tract.

Delivery of Treatments

An NG tube can also be used to deliver medications that need to be absorbed through the stomach or in cases where people have difficulty swallowing pills- which is especially true in stroke patients in whom oral feeding may be extremely dangerous since they have impaired control of their muscles.

For Lab Testing

Doctors can use it to also collect gastric fluids for analysis to enable proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment. This procedure involves the doctor – or a nurse- using a suction device, like for example a syringe, to draw out some of the stomach juices. Then the sample is sent to the lab for analysis.

How To Care For An NG Tube At Home?

Now we come to the most important part of the article: How to care for an NG Tube?! Here’re the most important things to keep in mind:

Stay Hygienic – Hygiene Is Essential

First of all, cleanliness is of utmost importance. Neglecting to clean the NG tube can potentially cause infections, blockages and discomfort among other issues; and you clearly do not want that. Here’s how to keep everything hygienic and ensure minimal bacteria is present:

• To begin with, wash your hands before touching the NG tube: Bacteria free hands will further prevent any untoward infections.
• Pay attention to the area around the tube: Furthermore, ensure that the area around the tube site, which is where the tube enters the patient’s nose, is cleaned daily using soap or a gentle cleanser. A cotton swab can be used to gently wipe this area. However, it is important that the area is dried afterward before the tube is put back in place.
• Keep an eye out for subtle changes: The condition of the tube should be regularly checked as well; discoloration, kinks, and cracks are telltale signs that the tube might need to be replaced.

Ensure Comfort By Keeping The Tube Fixed In Place

The NG tube needs to be fixed in a certain position in order for it to function properly. The last thing anyone wants is for the tube to shift or accidentally get pulled out, here are some suggestions to avoid this issue: 

In most scenarios, using tape or other devices helps keep the tubing secured comfortably to ensure it is fixated near the users nose. However always speak to your healthcare service provider so that they can provide more guidance based on your situation.

Always ensure to check the location of the tube before feeding or giving medication, if you are still in doubt, confirm it with the physician. One can gently aspirate with a syringe and see whether the content of the stomach comes out.

However, in essence, it is not. The tube itself is relatively short-term, often used in hospitals or under medical supervision. Overall, such a procedure helps patients in order to provide them with care when they are unable to do it the normal way.

Flush Like There’s No Tomorrow

For the NG tube not to be clogged, it is advisable to routinely flush it, which helps with the smooth and even flow through the tube. 

Regardless of the purpose of the NG tubes, water should always be flushed before and after feeding, or administering medications. This is particularly important when using the tube for medication as it tends to block. 

Use a syringe and water to flush the tube, repeat the process till you feel the water is flowing freely through the tube. However, in case there is resistance when pushing the water through the tube, do not force it as it can injure or break the tube. This is when a change of tube might be needed.

Be Cautious During Feeding

A doctor or a dietitian will help you with instructions on how and when to feed a patient who needs an NG tube for nutrition. However, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

A person who is being fed should be sitting in an upright position or as upright as possible: This is to minimize the chances of aspirating food into the lungs. The sitting position should be at an angle of 30-45 during, and shortly after, feeding. 

Go the expiration date on the packaging: Most kinds of formulas and feeding products should not be used after set expiration dates. So check carefully before feeding the patient.

Complication Might Still Happen

There come times where as hard as you try, something is bound to go wrong. Here are few red flags that must be paid special attention to:

• Pain or discomfort around the tube site.
• If the person coughs or has difficulty breathing during feeding (this shows that the tube may have shifted or gotten dislodged).
• Nausea, vomiting, or excessive bloating after a feeding.
• Fever along with signs of infection around the nose or at the tube insertion site.

If you notice any of these, then consult the supervising healthcare provider right away.

Time For Change

With use, NG tubes get worn out and don’t function as efficiently. This is why they usually need to get replaced every now and then, usually every 4-6 weeks. Consult the treating doctor for when is the right to replace the tube.

Usually replacing or putting in a new NG tube is a swift process but it is always recommended to have a trained professional to do it.

We hope you found the above advice useful. But if you feel like you still need a bit more help taking care of a husband, parent, or grandparent with NG Tube, our 24/7 home nursing service & elderly care in Dubai provides you with highly trained nurses and caregivers to care for your loved ones.