Most people recover from intubation with no long-term effects. However, like any procedure, it does have some risks.
In this article, learn about when doctors use intubation, how the procedure works, and what side effects are possible.
What is intubation?
Intubation is a medical procedure that involves inserting a flexible plastic tube down a person’s throat. This is a common procedure, carried out in operating rooms and emergency rooms around the world.
There are several different types of intubation. Doctors classify them based on the location of the tube and what it is trying to accomplish.
Some common types of intubation include:
- Nasogastric intubation, which involves passing the tube through the nose and into the stomach to remove air, or to feed or provide medications to the person.
- Endotracheal intubation, where the tube passes through the nose or mouth into the trachea to help a person breathe while under anesthesia or due to a distressed airway.
- Fiber-optic intubation, in which a doctor inserts the tube into the throat to examine the throat or assist endotracheal intubation when a person cannot extend or flex their head.
The primary purposes of intubation include:
- opening up the airway to give oxygen, anesthesia, or medicine
- removing blockages
- helping a person breathe if they have collapsed lungs, heart failure, or trauma
- allowing doctors to look at the airways
- helping prevent a person breathing in liquids
Potential side effects and complications of intubation include:
- damage to the vocal cords
- bleeding
- infection
- tearing or puncturing of tissue in the chest cavity that can lead to lung collapse
- injury to throat or trachea
- damage to dental work or injury to teeth
- fluid buildup
- aspiration
Complications are more likely to occur if a doctor performs intubation in an emergency. However, it is vital to remember that intubation can be a life-saving procedure in these cases.
Mild side effects that may occur after the procedure include:
- a sore throat
- pneumonia
- pain
- sinusitis
- speech difficulties
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
In rare cases, a person may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if they were not fully sedated or psychologically prepared for the procedure.
Finally, anesthesia also has some risks. Although most people will not experience any side effects from anesthesia, some people, such as older adults or people with obesity, are at higher risk of developing complications.
Many people feel nauseated and may vomit after waking up from anesthesia. They may also experience temporary confusion or memory loss.
A doctor will talk to a person about the full list of risks before they undergo surgery.
Recovery
Many people will experience a sore throat and difficulty swallowing immediately after intubation, but recovery is usually quick, taking several hours to several days depending on the time spent intubated.
However, if a person experiences any of the following symptoms following their procedure, they should let their doctor know immediately, as they could be signs of more serious issues:
- a severe sore throat
- difficulty breathing
- pain in the chest
- difficulty speaking or swallowing
- shortness of breath
- pain in the neck
- facial swelling
Summary
Intubation is a common procedure that can be the difference between life and death in an emergency.
In most cases, a person will fully recover from intubation within a few hours to days and will have no long-term complications.
People can ask the doctor or surgeon about all of the potential side effects and risks of intubation before surgery. If a person experiences any severe or unusual side effects, they should speak to a doctor right away.
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