What is a Nasogastric (NG) or Orogastric (OG) tube primarily used for?

A Nasogastric (NG) or Orogastric (OG) tube is primarily utilized for providing nutritional support or gastric decompression. These tubes are designed to access the stomach through the nasal or oral cavity, allowing healthcare providers to deliver essential nutrients directly to patients who cannot eat or swallow safely. This is particularly important in situations where oral intake is not possible due to medical conditions, surgery, or consciousness levels.

In addition to nutritional support, these tubes are also effective for gastric decompression, which involves removing air, fluids, and sometimes contents from the stomach to alleviate discomfort or distension caused by various medical conditions. This dual functionality makes NG and OG tubes vital tools in patient care, especially in emergency and critical care settings where managing a patient’s nutritional status and gastrointestinal pressure is crucial for recovery and overall well-being.