Digital Edition: Orange and lemon juice used to improve nasogastric tube aspiration success
06 July, 2026
By Holly Maguire, Grace Casquejo, Surabhi Saxena and Debbie Wyatt
Applying citrus juice to the tongue and gums may stimulate gastric secretions and reduce delays in starting nasogastric use.
Abstract
Dysphagia is common following stroke, and many patients require a nasogastric tube to support hydration, nutrition and medication administration. Before every use, it is essential to check the nasogastric tube is in the correct position, which is done by aspirating gastric fluid and checking the pH level. However, gastric fluid aspiration is often unsuccessful, requiring a chest X-ray for confirmation, which can delay feeding and medication administration for several hours. This article outlines a local review exploring whether applying orange or lemon juice to the gums and tongue could stimulate gastric fluid production and improve aspiration success in adult patients. In all patients reviewed locally, gastric aspirate was successfully obtained following the intervention, avoiding the need for chest X-ray confirmation.
Citation: Maguire H et al (2026) Orange and lemon juice used to improve nasogastric tube aspiration success. Nursing Times; 122: 7.
Authors: Holly Maguire is advanced nurse practitioner for stroke; Grace Casquejo is stroke nurse; Surabhi Saxena is research nurse, all at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust; Debbie Wyatt is assistant librarian, Health Library for North Staffordshire Library and Knowledge Service.
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