Many people find the tube somewhat uncomfortable, and it is easily dislodged accidentally. A balloon in the stomach holds the tube in place. These tubes are placed when tube feeding is needed for months or more. The tube to be used for feeding is surgically placed in the middle section of the small intestine called the jejunum. These tubes are also placed when tube feeding is needed for a long time, usually permanently.
Diarrhea is the most annoying complication.
It can usually be improved by changing formulas or giving less at one time. There can be mechanical problems with the tube, such as clogging or getting into the wrong place. If a nasogastric tube is pulled out too far, liquid feedings can get into the lungs causing pneumonia. The body's chemistry can be affected by the formula, resulting in too much or too little of various nutrients. The doctor or dietitian can recommend solutions to each of these problems.