Intubation sounds complicated and intimidating, but it's an important medical procedure used to help critically ill persons. During intubation, a doctor or healthcare provider inserts a tube into the patient's airway to open the breathing passageway and provide oxygen directly to the lungs.

Intubation can be performed quickly and efficiently with minimal risk to patients due to its fast-acting nature.

This blog post will explore what intubation is, why it is done, and its potential risks and benefits for those facing critical health concerns. Keep reading if you want more information about this vital life-saving technique!

Intubation

Intubation is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a flexible tube called an endotracheal tube into a person's windpipe (trachea) through the mouth or nose. The endotracheal tube is then connected to a ventilator or other breathing apparatus to provide mechanical ventilation and assist with breathing.

Intubation is typically performed when a person cannot breathe adequately or requires assistance due to various medical conditions or emergencies.

Types of Intubation

Different types of intubation techniques are used depending on the specific needs of the patient and the clinical situation.

Here are some common types of intubation:

Orotracheal intubation

This is the most common type of intubation, where the endotracheal tube is inserted through the mouth and into the trachea. The person is typically sedated and given a muscle relaxant to facilitate the procedure.

A laryngoscope visualizes the vocal cords and guides the tube into the trachea.

Nasotracheal intubation

This technique inserts the endotracheal tube through the nose and into the trachea. Nasotracheal intubation may be used when oral access is limited, such as in cases with oral injuries, anatomical abnormalities, or anticipated long-term intubation.

Nasotracheal Intubation

This technique involves using a smaller-diameter tube, a Nasotracheal tube, inserted through the nose and advanced into the trachea. Nasotracheal intubation is often used for shorter-term intubation or when a smaller tube size is preferred.

Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the neck, creating a direct opening into the trachea. A tracheostomy tube is then inserted through this opening to secure the airway.

A tracheostomy is typically performed when long-term mechanical ventilation is anticipated or when there is a need for prolonged airway access.

Why would a person need to be intubated

A person may need to be intubated for various medical reasons.

Here are some common scenarios where intubation may be necessary:

Respiratory failure

Intubation is often performed when a person is experiencing severe respiratory distress or respiratory failure. This can occur due to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma exacerbation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, or severe lung injury.

Intubation allows for mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing and ensure adequate oxygenation.

General anesthesia

Intubation is a standard part of administering general anesthesia for surgical procedures. It is done to secure the airway, ensure proper oxygenation during surgery, and allow controlled ventilation. The endotracheal tube is connected to a ventilator, which delivers a mixture of oxygen and anesthetic gases to maintain anesthesia and support breathing.

Airway protection

Intubation may be necessary to protect the airway when there is a risk of airway obstruction or aspiration of fluids. This can occur in severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis), facial trauma, or neurological conditions that affect swallowing and airway control.

Intubation creates a clear and secure airway, preventing the blockage of the air passages and reducing the risk of aspiration into the lungs.

Coma or decreased consciousness

If a person is in a coma or has significantly decreased consciousness, intubation may be required to ensure a patent airway and provide mechanical ventilation. This can occur due to severe head trauma, drug overdose, or neurological conditions impairing the person's ability to breathe adequately.

Severe respiratory infections

In severe respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 pneumonia or other severe respiratory viral infections, intubation may be necessary to support breathing and oxygenation when conservative measures are insufficient.

It's important to note that the decision to intubate is made by healthcare professionals based on an individual's specific medical condition and the need for respiratory support. Intubation is considered an invasive procedure and is typically performed in a controlled medical setting by trained professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient.

Side Effects of Intubation

Intubation is a medical procedure that carries certain risks and potential side effects. While the procedure provides necessary medical support, it's important to be aware of possible complications.

Here are some potential side effects and complications associated with intubation:

Sore throat and hoarseness

After intubation, it's common for individuals to experience a sore throat or hoarseness due to irritation of the vocal cords and surrounding tissues. This discomfort is usually temporary and resolves within a few days.

Damage to teeth or oral structures

During the insertion of the endotracheal tube, there is a small risk of dental or oral injury, such as chipped or dislodged teeth or damage to the lips, gums, or tongue. Healthcare professionals take precautions to minimize these risks, but they can still occur in certain cases.

Breathing difficulties or respiratory distress

In some cases, intubation may cause complications that affect breathing. This can include accidental misplacement of the endotracheal tube, leading to partial airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation.

Prompt identification and correction of these issues are crucial to ensure proper respiratory support.

Infection

Intubation involves the insertion of a foreign object into the airway, which increases the risk of infection. Healthcare providers follow strict sterile techniques to minimize this risk, but infections such as pneumonia or bloodstream infections can occur in rare cases.

Trauma and bleeding

Invasive procedures like intubation carry a small risk of trauma to the airway structures, resulting in bleeding or tissue damage. This risk is generally low but can be higher in individuals with anatomical abnormalities or pre-existing conditions that make the procedure more challenging.

Pneumothorax

In rare instances, the endotracheal tube insertion can cause a pneumothorax, which is the accumulation of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall. This can lead to lung collapse and requires immediate medical attention.

Dislodgement or obstruction of the tube

The endotracheal tube may dislodge or block, leading to inadequate ventilation or complete airway obstruction. Regular monitoring and securing the tube is essential to minimize these risks.

FAQs

What is the purpose of intubation?

Intubation is a medical procedure used to establish a secure airway in patients who cannot breathe independently. This can be due to an illness or injury that interferes with normal respiratory function.

What is the difference between a ventilator and intubation?

A ventilator is a machine that helps patients breathe by delivering air or oxygen through a tube placed in the patient's mouth. Intubation is placing the tube into the patient's trachea so that they can receive mechanical ventilation from a ventilator.

What are 2 indications for intubation?

The two most common intubation indications are assisting with breathing due to acute respiratory failure or difficulty and protecting from aspiration in cases where a patient is unresponsive or unable to protect their airway. Intubation can also be used for certain medical procedures, such as surgery on the larynx.

Conclusion

As we've learned, intubation is a medical procedure that inserts a tube into a patient's airway to open their breathing passageway and provide oxygen directly to the lungs. It has the potential to save the lives of those who are facing critical health concerns due to its fast-acting nature.

Understanding intubation can help patients feel more informed about their care plan if they ever need this life-saving procedure performed. Remember: knowledge is power! Remember to learn more about What intubation is before appointments with your healthcare providers.