NG Tube!!!!?

Verified answer

NG stands for nasogastric -- meaning that it goes down to your stomach via the nose (and throat).

In general, NG tubes are used for diagnosis, drainage, and feeding: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasogastric_intubatio...

There are several types of NG tubes (Levin, Dobhoff, etc), each with different characteristics, and thus suitable for some tasks more than others.

If you are not eating well, most likely the purpose of the NG tube is for feeding -- the tube allows doctors/nurses to infuse liquid food into your stomach. For this purpose, many doctors choose the Dobhoff tubes because:

1) They are thinner and less rigid, thus more comfortable for the patient.

2) They are weighted at the tip, which theoretically allows the tip to move from the stomach into the beginning of small bowels. This reduces the chance of stomach upset and aspiration.

If inserted with the right technique, it shouldn't hurt at all. It feels a bit strange when the tip is passing through the nose, but once it's in the swallowing tube (esophagus), you will barely feel it. (I've had it done on me quite a few times.)

Good luck.