A Ryle’s tube passes through the nose into the stomach and is used when a person cannot swallow safely. A trained professional places it and checks its position. Families can make feeding safer by following a few simple rules.
Key points
- Keep the patient upright during feeding and for 30 to 60 minutes afterwards.
- Feed slowly and keep syringes and containers clean.
- Stop the feed and get urgent help for coughing, choking or breathlessness.
- Only a trained doctor or nurse should place, replace or check a Ryle’s tube.
Safety basics
- Sit the patient upright for feeding, and keep them upright for 30 to 60 minutes afterwards
- Feed slowly, as advised by the doctor or dietitian
- Wash your hands and clean the syringe and containers every time
- Use freshly prepared feeds at room temperature
- Flush the tube with water as advised
- Keep the tube taped securely to the cheek
Common problems and what to do
- Blocked tube: flush gently with warm water, and never force it or use a sharp object. If it does not clear, call a nurse.
- Tube looks pulled out or longer than before: stop the feed, do not push it back, and call for help.
- Nausea, bloating or vomiting: slow down, check the position and tell the doctor.
- Loose stools or constipation: tell the doctor, who may change the feed or fluids.
Mouth and nose care
- Clean the mouth and teeth several times a day, even when nothing is taken by mouth
- Clean around the nostril and change the tape position daily to protect the skin
Stop the feed and get urgent help if
- The patient coughs or chokes during feeding
- There is sudden breathlessness or a blue tinge to the lips
- There is repeated vomiting or a swollen, hard belly
- You are not sure the tube is in the right place
Who should change the tube
Placing, replacing and checking a Ryle’s tube should be done by a trained doctor or nurse. Do not try to reinsert a tube at home yourself. Our nurses provide Ryle’s tube care at home across Mumbai.
Frequently asked questions
How do we know the tube is in the right place?
Position must be checked by a trained doctor or nurse using an approved method. If the tube looks moved or the patient coughs during feeding, stop and call for help.
Can medicines be given through the tube?
Only as the doctor advises. Some tablets must not be crushed. Ask which medicines can be given and how.
How long can a Ryle’s tube stay in?
It depends on the tube and the doctor’s plan. If feeding will be needed for a long time, the doctor may discuss other options.
Not for emergencies. Home healthcare does not replace emergency hospital care. In a medical emergency, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.