Yes, an NG tube is an enteral feeding tube: Understanding Nasogastric Nutrition

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 1.2 million temporary nasogastric feeding tubes are inserted annually in the US, highlighting that the question, 'Is an NG tube an enteral feeding tube?', is critical for understanding this form of medical nutrition. This guide explains the function of an NG tube within the broader scope of enteral nutrition.

Quick Summary

A nasogastric (NG) tube is a specific type of enteral feeding tube, inserting through the nose to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach. It serves as a temporary method for patients who cannot consume food orally but have a functional digestive system.

Key Points

NG tube is a short-term enteral feeding method: It delivers nutrients and medications through the nose into the stomach, making it a form of enteral feeding designed for temporary use.
Non-surgical placement: The NG tube is inserted non-surgically at the bedside, making it a quick and less invasive option compared to permanent feeding tubes.
Used for temporary support: It is ideal for patients with a functional GI tract who require short-term nutritional support, often due to conditions like stroke, trauma, or severe illness.
Aspiration is a significant risk: To minimize the risk of aspiration pneumonia, the patient's head must be elevated during and after feeding, and tube placement must be verified regularly.
NG tubes vs. long-term tubes: Unlike permanent PEG or J-tubes, which require a surgical procedure and are for long-term use, NG tubes are limited to a few weeks of use due to potential discomfort and complications.
Proper care is essential: Regular flushing, proper patient positioning, and careful monitoring of the tube and patient are critical for safe and effective NG tube feeding.

Understanding Enteral Nutrition

Enteral nutrition involves delivering nutrients, fluids, and medications directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This approach is used when a patient cannot consume adequate nutrition orally but has a functioning GI tract capable of digestion and absorption. Enteral nutrition is generally preferred over parenteral nutrition (which delivers nutrients intravenously, bypassing the GI tract) due to a lower risk of infection, better maintenance of gut integrity, and lower cost.

Is an NG tube an enteral feeding tube? The definitive answer

Yes, a nasogastric (NG) tube is a type of enteral feeding tube. It is characterized by its insertion method and intended duration of use. The NG tube is a flexible tube inserted through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. This non-surgical placement makes it suitable for short-term use, typically less than four to six weeks. It is a temporary solution for providing nutritional support or administering medication to patients who cannot eat or swallow normally but have a functioning stomach.

Comparing NG Tubes with Other Enteral Feeding Methods

While NG tubes are a form of enteral feeding, they are not the only type. Other enteral feeding tubes are designed for longer-term use and involve different placement methods. The choice depends on the patient's condition, the anticipated duration of feeding, and the functional capacity of their digestive system.


Feature	Nasogastric (NG) Tube	Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) Tube	Jejunostomy (J) Tube
Placement	Non-surgical, through the nose into the stomach.	Surgical, endoscopically placed through the abdominal wall into the stomach.	Surgical, placed through the abdominal wall into the small intestine (jejunum).
Duration	Short-term (typically up to 4-6 weeks).	Long-term (months to years).	Long-term (months to years).
Patient Comfort	Can cause nasal and throat irritation.	More comfortable for long-term use as it bypasses the throat.	Comfortable for long-term use, bypasses the stomach.
Risks	Higher risk of accidental dislodgment and aspiration.	Risk of infection at the insertion site; surgical risks.	Risk of infection and other surgical complications.
Best For	Temporary feeding (e.g., post-stroke, trauma) or gastric decompression.	Long-term feeding for patients with difficulty swallowing.	Patients with high aspiration risk or stomach motility issues.

The Procedure and Care for NG Tube Feeding

The insertion of an NG tube is typically performed by a trained healthcare professional. The procedure involves preparing the patient, inserting the lubricated tube through the nose into the stomach, and confirming proper placement through methods like checking the pH of gastric aspirate or X-ray. Once placed, feeding formulas and medications can be administered through the tube, either continuously via a pump or in bolus doses.

Essential care practices for patients with NG tubes include keeping the head of the bed elevated during and after feeding to reduce the risk of aspiration, regularly flushing the tube with water to prevent clogs, and ensuring the tube is secure and the skin around the nostril is free from irritation.

Potential Risks and Complications

While NG tube feeding is a valuable intervention, it carries potential risks and complications. These can include issues related to the tube itself, such as dislodgment or blockage. Gastrointestinal problems like nausea or diarrhea may also occur. A significant risk is aspiration pneumonia, which can happen if stomach contents enter the lungs. Other potential issues include infection and metabolic imbalances, particularly in vulnerable patients. Discomfort in the nasal passages and throat is also a common complaint.

Conclusion: The Right Tool for the Right Time

An NG tube is indeed a type of enteral feeding tube used for short-term nutritional support. It is a less invasive option for temporary feeding when a patient cannot eat orally but has a functioning GI tract. While beneficial for short durations, its temporary nature and potential risks, such as aspiration and discomfort, mean it is not suitable for long-term feeding needs. For extended nutritional support, other enteral tubes like PEG or J-tubes are generally more appropriate. The decision regarding the most suitable feeding method is a medical one, based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition and nutritional requirements.

Learn more about different types of feeding tubes on the Cleveland Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is the duration of use. An NG tube is for short-term feeding (up to 4-6 weeks) and is inserted non-surgically through the nose. Other enteral tubes, like PEG or J-tubes, are for long-term feeding and require a surgical procedure for placement through the abdominal wall.

A healthcare provider inserts a lubricated, flexible NG tube through the patient's nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach while the patient is sitting upright. Proper placement is then verified by a pH test of gastric aspirate or a chest X-ray.

Patients receive liquid nutrition formulas specifically designed for tube feeding. The formula type, volume, and feeding schedule (bolus or continuous) are determined by a dietitian or medical team based on the patient's individual needs.

NG tubes can cause discomfort in the nasal passages and throat, especially with longer-term use. Patients often experience throat irritation or dryness, which can be managed with proper oral care and lubrication.

The most common complications include tube dislodgment, clogging, and aspiration pneumonia if feed enters the lungs. Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and bloating can also occur.

If an NG tube becomes clogged, a nurse or trained caregiver should attempt to flush it gently with warm water using a syringe. If this fails, a healthcare provider should be notified immediately. Never use wires or other tools to try and clear a blockage.

An NG tube is chosen for temporary feeding situations when the patient is expected to resume oral intake within a few weeks. It is also used for gastric decompression to remove stomach contents in cases of obstruction.