Does a nasogastric tube hurt?

If you’ve ever had an “NG tube,” as the cool kids call it, you might be wondering: does it hurt? Well, put on your brave face and let’s explore this topic together.

What is a Nasogastric Tube?

First things first: what are we even talking about here? A nasogastric tube is essentially a flexible plastic tube that goes through your nose, down your throat, and into your stomach. Sounds like fun, right?

This tube can be used for many reasons including:

  • Feeding (when someone cannot eat or swallow)
  • Decompression (removing air or liquid from the stomach)
  • Medication administration
  • Gastric lavage (washing out the stomach)

So basically, if you’re getting an NG tube put in, something serious is going on.

The million dollar question…does it hurt?

Short answer: yes. But don’t worry! It’s not as bad as you might think.

The insertion process

When they insert the NG tube initially into your nostril(s), it’ll feel weird. There’s just no two ways around it. You’ll probably gag if they make their way to phase 2.

Phase 2 involves feeding the hose down towards Jobsville–or more specifically–down towards your esophagus & ultimately toward Pooptown USA® . That will also cause some discomfort but remember every person has different levels of pain tolerance, so what may qualify as totally manageable to one person could have another reaching for a trusty bottle of aspirin quicker than Thanos snapped his fingers #InfinityWarVibes.

Once it’s In

Once the tubing is inside its new home (AKA your body), any lingering pain will likely dissipate quickly purely due to human biology whereby our impossibly fascinating bodies become desensitised to a stimulus that keeps going on and on for too long. Although you won’t be able to eat or drink, it’s probably soothing knowing something is there in the event of an emergency. Think about it like training wheels- they may feel awkward at first however eventually you’ll warm up (Literally.)

It means no more intravenous procedures^^ because this tube is doing all the heavy lifting! This option presents minimal risks with correct application.

Closing thoughts

Your mileage may vary regarding pain levels associated but one things’ for sure…if you’re not cringing or swearing during insertion, then maybe consider joining circus? Anyone taking that kind of activity in their stride has astonishing gift of adaptability; hellfire, I’m wincing like a little weakling just writing this down…

But in terms of discomfort once installed..this isn’t so much Hogwarts Defence against Dark Arts as it is Drink Responsibly: a minor nuisance but overall completely manageable!

Stay healthy y’all & don’t get any ideas from our crazy metaphors here xoxo

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