Verywell / Joshua Seong
What Is Intubation?
Intubation triggers when a tube is inserted into your trachea to help you breathe.
Depending on why intubation is needed, it may or may not be serious.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
Intubation is commonly used for anesthesia in surgery and for airway management in more critical patient care.
In emergency situations and certain illnesses, being intubated means a form of life support.
It can help keep the airway open and assist breathing.
Endotracheal intubationis when the tube is inserted through the mouth.
Endotracheal intubation is used to:
Nasotracheal intubationis when the tube is put in through the nose.
It is used to:
What to Expect When Intubated
Intubation is a common procedure.
This means that you will be given medication to make you relaxed and sleepy.
It helps see to it you don’t accidentally pull out the tube.
You also won’t be able to eat or talk while intubated.
Is Being Intubated Painful?
Most people are not awake and conscious while they are being intubated.
If they are, providers can help ease the discomfort of intubation with treatments like throat-numbing sprays and sedation.
Feeding During Intubation
It is not possible to eat or take fluids by mouth while intubated.
This is referred to as enteral nutrition.
Is Being on a Ventilator the Same as Being Intubated?
Intubation and ventilation go hand-in-hand, but they are distinct elements of the steps taken to help someone breathe.
Theventilatormachine (or bag) does the breathing for them until they can breathe on their own.
While being awake on a ventilator is possible, people are usually sedated to help prevent anxiety or discomfort.
Click Play to Learn More About Intubation
This video has been medically reviewed byRochelle Collins, DO.
What Are the Risks of Intubation?
Most people experience only mild side effects like sore throat and hoarseness as a result of intubation.
Some people have no symptoms and never even realize they were intubated.
Common risks of intubation include:
Tracheal stenosis, or a narrowing of the trachea, is also possible.
Who Should Not Be Intubated?
Sometimes, a person cannot be intubated safely.
In these situations, intubation is not advised.
Newborns are hard to intubate because of their small size.
How Is the Tracheal Tube Removed?
Extubationis the process of removing a tracheal tube.
It is usually easier and faster to take the tube out than it is to put it in.
Extubation involves the following steps:
How Long Can Someone Be Intubated?
Most people who are intubated stay on a ventilator for a matter of hours, days, or weeks.
What Is Recovery Like After Being Intubated?
The procedure for both is largely the same.
There are risks associated with intubation, but the benefits of intubation generally outweigh the risks.
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