Pain Management for Nasogastric Intubation in Pediatrics

Nasogastric (NG) intubation is a common yet one of the most uncomfortable minor procedures done in children and adults alike. A variety of analgesics, such as ketamine, lidocaine, and nitrous oxide, have been shown to reduce pain in various minor pediatric procedures. This retrospective study explores how often various pain management practices are used, either alone or in combination. The study examines NG intubation in pediatrics in one pediatric academic health system. The comfort measures used include analgesics, distraction, child life, swaddling, nitrous oxide, and others. Pharmacological intervention (analgesics) and distraction were most frequently used. Larger randomized studies should be conducted to determine the best practices for comfort measures for NG intubation in order to achieve maximal pain and anxiety reduction for children of various ages.