WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Nasogastric tube

A nasogastric tube is a long, flexible plastic tube inserted into a person's nose and threaded into the stomach to deliver fluid that contains nutrients directly into the stomach (tube feeding). A nasogastric tube may also be used to suction excess gastric fluids out of the stomach and to deliver medications to a person who temporarily cannot swallow.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.