Effect of nasogastric tubes on nasal resistance during infancy

Nasal resistance (Rn) and total airways resistance (RAW) during nose breathing were measured in two groups of preterm infants. One group had been fed by nasogastric tube during the neonatal period, while the other had received only orogastric or bottle feeds. There were no significant differences in either Rn or RAW between the two groups, which suggests that for these infants a history of nasogastric tube feeding had no adverse effect on subsequent respiratory function. The acute effects of the nasogastric tube (NGT) were assessed by measuring Rn and RAW with and without the NGT in situ. A significant increase on both Rn and RAW occurred when the NGT was in situ, particularly in white infants, and when the NGT was passed through the larger of the two nostrils.