Can You Eat Liquid Foods with a Nasogastric Tube in Place?

Q: Can You Eat Liquid Foods with a Nasogastric Tube in Place?

Hello, regarding your questions： <br>1. <br>After the placement of a nasogastric tube, is it possible to consume liquid food orally? In principle, it is possible, but it requires an assessment of feasibility by your attending physician. <br>If there is a risk of aspiration leadin

Can a patient eat liquid food orally after having a nasogastric tube inserted?

Due to my father's diagnosis of hypopharyngeal cancer, he has developed wounds in his throat during the course of radiation and chemotherapy (as stated by the attending physician).
He is experiencing difficulty swallowing, and in the later stages, a nasogastric tube was placed.
Recently, the radiation therapy has concluded, and the radiation oncologist mentioned that if the throat wounds improve, he can gradually start consuming high-protein liquid foods orally.
I inquired with the doctor whether it is possible to eat while having a nasogastric tube, and the doctor confirmed that it is.
However, the attending physician (an otolaryngologist) stated that since he still has the nasogastric tube in place, he should not eat anything, which has left us quite confused.

Additionally, my father has a significant amount of phlegm that he cannot cough up on his own, leading to persistent coughing both in the morning and at night.
Despite taking expectorants for a long time, there has been minimal improvement.
When we asked the doctor, they only mentioned that this is due to the effects of radiation therapy.
Furthermore, the initial placement of the nasogastric tube was not done correctly and reached the lungs, making him cough more easily.
We inquired about re-inserting the tube, and the doctor stated that it would cause secondary harm and could not guarantee proper placement.
After the first placement, my father developed a high fever the next day, so we decided against re-insertion.
I would like to ask the following questions:
1.
After the placement of a nasogastric tube, can he still consume liquid foods orally?
2.
Does radiation therapy to the throat area cause phlegm production?
3.
Is there a risk associated with the nasogastric tube being placed in the lungs?

Yang Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/22

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, regarding your questions:
1.
After the placement of a nasogastric tube, is it possible to consume liquid food orally? In principle, it is possible, but it requires an assessment of feasibility by your attending physician.
If there is a risk of aspiration leading to aspiration pneumonia or other complications, then it is not advisable.
2.
Will radiation therapy to the throat area cause phlegm? Yes, it often does, and it commonly presents as mucositis.
3.
Is there a danger if the lungs are involved during the placement of a nasogastric tube? I apologize, but this description lacks sufficient information for me to provide an answer.
Please consult your attending physician.
Wishing you peace and good health.

Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Chi Chao-Yun.

Reply Date: 2018/05/22

More Info

When it comes to feeding a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube, there are several important considerations to keep in mind, especially for someone undergoing treatment for conditions like throat cancer. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Can you eat liquid foods with a nasogastric tube in place?
Yes, patients with a nasogastric tube can consume liquid foods, but this should be done under the guidance of healthcare professionals. The primary purpose of the NG tube is to provide nutrition directly to the stomach when oral intake is not possible or safe. If your father has been cleared by his healthcare provider to start consuming high-protein liquid foods orally, it is essential to proceed cautiously. The healthcare team will typically assess the patient's swallowing ability and the condition of the throat before making this recommendation. If there are concerns about aspiration (food or liquid entering the lungs), they may advise against oral intake until it is deemed safe.

2. Does radiation therapy cause phlegm production?
Yes, radiation therapy, particularly to the head and neck region, can lead to increased mucus production and phlegm. This is due to the irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the throat and surrounding areas. Patients may experience dry mouth (xerostomia) and thickened secretions, which can make swallowing and breathing more difficult. It is crucial to manage these symptoms effectively, as they can significantly impact the patient's comfort and ability to eat or drink.

3. Is there a danger if the NG tube was incorrectly placed and went into the lungs?
Yes, there are risks associated with improper placement of a nasogastric tube. If the tube is inadvertently placed in the lungs, it can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which is a serious condition that occurs when food, liquid, or other substances enter the lungs instead of the stomach. Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, and fever. If your father experienced a high fever following the initial placement of the NG tube, it is essential to inform his healthcare team, as this could indicate a complication. If there are concerns about the placement of the NG tube, a healthcare professional should evaluate it immediately to ensure it is positioned correctly.

In summary, while it is possible for a patient with a nasogastric tube to consume liquid foods, this should be done with caution and under medical supervision. The healthcare team will provide guidance based on the patient's specific condition and needs. Additionally, managing symptoms related to radiation therapy, such as phlegm production, is crucial for maintaining comfort and facilitating recovery. Always communicate any concerns or changes in your father's condition to his healthcare providers for the best possible care.

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