Iningestion

**Iningestion** refers to the process of introducing a substance into the body through the mouth, bypassing the normal digestive route. This term is often used in medical and scientific contexts to describe methods where substances are intentionally placed inside the body for therapeutic, diagnostic, or experimental purposes, rather than being swallowed in the conventional sense. Unlike traditional ingestion, which involves swallowing and subsequent digestion, iningestion may involve insertion through the mouth into other parts of the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus or stomach, or even deeper into the respiratory or circulatory systems under controlled conditions.

This practice is commonly associated with procedures like **nasogastric (NG) tube insertion**, where a tube is passed through the nose into the stomach to deliver medications, nutrients, or fluids directly. It may also involve the use of **endoscopes** for diagnostic or therapeutic interventions, such as removing foreign objects or applying treatments to internal tissues. In research settings, iningestion might refer to experimental methods where substances are introduced into the body for controlled observation, such as in pharmacological studies or imaging techniques.

While iningestion can be a critical medical intervention, it carries risks such as infection, irritation, or unintended placement of materials. Proper training, sterile techniques, and careful monitoring are essential to minimize complications. The term is rarely used in everyday language and is primarily found in specialized medical literature or technical discussions.