What are the reasons for inserting a nasogastric tube in newborns?
Oct 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Inserting a nasogastric tube in newborns may be necessary when they experience hypoxia and are unable to feed. Through the tube, energy-supplementing medications or milk can be delivered directly into the stomach to provide nutrition and calories. In cases of intestinal obstruction, a nasogastric tube is used to decompress the gastrointestinal tract, removing gastric contents and accumulated gas to alleviate symptoms. If the digestive system is not fully developed and swallowing function is impaired, a nasogastric tube ensures adequate nutritional delivery and maintains caloric needs.
Insertion of a nasogastric tube in newborns may be necessary due to conditions such as hypoxia or the need for gastrointestinal decompression. Additionally, newborns may require gastric intubation if there are abnormalities in the development of the digestive system.
1. Hypoxia
When newborns experience hypoxia, they are unable to feed themselves. Therefore, a gastric tube is inserted to provide nutritional support. Through the tube, energy-supplementing medications or milk can be delivered directly into the stomach to supply the body with essential nutrients and calories.
2. Gastrointestinal Decompression
If a newborn develops intestinal obstruction, a gastric tube may be required to decompress the gastrointestinal tract. This helps promptly remove gastric contents and accumulated gas, thereby alleviating symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
3. Abnormal Development of the Digestive System
If a newborn's digestive system is incompletely developed at birth, their swallowing function may be impaired. Inability to swallow properly can affect milk intake, making it necessary to insert a gastric tube to deliver nutrition and maintain the body's caloric needs.
In most cases, the gastric tube in newborns is inserted orally to avoid damaging nasal mucosa, as newborns have relatively small nasal passages.
