What Are the Types of Feeding Tubes?

There are two basic types of feeding tubes that I’ll cover here:

• NG-Tubes (Nasogastric Tubes)
• G-Tubes (Gastrostomy Tubes)

Both help get nutrition directly to the stomach when eating by mouth is no longer safe or possible.

Who Needs a Feeding Tube?

Feeding tubes are commonly used for:

• Stroke patients
• People with neurological conditions (e.g., ALS, Parkinson’s)
• Those with advanced cancers
• People with severe dysphagia (trouble swallowing)
• Certain digestive disorders
• Patients recovering from aspiration pneumonia

NG-Tubes: The Necessary Short-Term Option

An NG-tube is inserted through the nose and guided down into the stomach. It can be placed by a nurse at the bedside, often when a patient is newly admitted and being evaluated.

As a nurse, I’ve done a lot of procedures. Placing an NG-tube? Easily one of my least favorite.
It’s uncomfortable for the patient and the nurse. Patients often hate it. Confused or agitated patients might pull it out, requiring restraints. Alert patients just want it out—now.

Quick Facts: NG-Tubes

• Inserted through the nose, down to the stomach
• Placed by nurses at bedside
• Verified by X-ray to ensure correct placement
• Used for short-term nutrition (days to weeks)
• Taped in place on the nose
• Risk of displacement, curling, or clogging

Emotional Impact:
These tubes are visible, uncomfortable, and distressing for many patients. They make it hard to feel “normal,” and the visual reminder can be difficult for families too.

G-Tubes: The Long-Term Solution

A G-tube (gastrostomy tube) is surgically inserted directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall. It’s used when someone needs long-term nutritional support.

Quick Facts: G-Tubes

• Surgically placed by a GI doctor or surgeon
• Used for long-term nutrition (weeks, months, or years)
• Can be more comfortable than an NG-tube once healed
• Less visible under clothing
• Requires daily care and cleaning
• Medication and feeds go through the tube

Maintenance can feel intimidating, but with education and support, it becomes routine. Home health nurses can help, and you’ll learn the tricks that make things easier over time.

The Emotional Side of Tubes

Feeding tubes aren’t just medical—they’re emotional. Any change to our bodies can feel like a loss. A tube can feel like a betrayal of the body, or a badge of illness.

Body Image, Stigma, and Invisibility

• People may feel embarrassed or different
• Some tubes are visible, others are hidden—each comes with its own emotional challenges
• Society often views feeding tubes as a last resort—but really, they are a way forward

“Your body still belongs to you. The tube is just part of your toolkit now.”

Talking, educating yourself, and allowing time to adjust can make all the difference—for patients, families, and caregivers.

Tips and Tricks From the Trenches

If you or a loved one has an NG-tube in the hospital:

• Ask questions. Ask the nutritionist about feeding schedules and options.
• Understand how the feeding pump works (continuous vs. bolus feedings).
• Speak up about discomfort or problems—advocacy matters.

If you’re going home with a G-tube:

• Ask for home health support
• Learn how to clean and care for the tube
• Don’t be afraid to ask nurses about dressing changes, flushing the tube, and giving meds
• Take it one step at a time. It will feel overwhelming at first. That’s okay.

“You can do this. It just takes time. You’re not alone.”

Final Thoughts: This Is Not a Failure

Having a feeding tube is not a failure. It’s not giving up. It’s a medical intervention that supports life, healing, and dignity.

“It’s okay to grieve the change. It’s also okay to feel grateful. You can feel both.”

You didn’t choose this. But you’re choosing to survive.
Feeding tubes are not the end of the story. They are a bridge to healing, a path forward when the old one has changed.

Let Me Give You a Couple of Common Examples:

1. Bowel Obstruction

Sometimes, the bowels stop working properly and food doesn’t digest or move the way it should. This is commonly called a bowel obstruction.

People often come into the hospital with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and pain. In these cases, an NGT (nasogastric tube) may be placed to relieve pressure and symptoms, allowing the bowel time to rest and reset.

This is usually a short-term situation—just a couple of days—and often resolves on its own.

Don’t panic. Ask questions. Trust the process. Let time do its work.

2. Stroke Recovery

Strokes are one of the most common reasons someone might need an NGT. This can be a longer, more emotionally difficult process. Families often feel conflicted, overwhelmed, and scared—and that’s completely normal.

The best thing you can do in this situation is to let the medical team do their job, be patient, and ask questions. Recovery from a stroke can take many forms. Some people improve quickly, others slowly.

Be patient, stay informed, and know that recovery can look different for everyone.

Let’s Keep Talking

If this helped you, share it. If you have questions, ask them.
And always—your voice matters.

Thanks for being here. The Art of Being Ill is a space we’re building together, and I’d love to hear from you.

If something here resonates, please like, share, comment, or email me — your voice matters.

 artofbeingill@gmail.com

Photo used under license from Adobe Stock