Intubation is a medical procedure that’s used when you can’t breathe on your own. Your doctor puts a tube down your throat and into your windpipe to make it easier to get air into and out of your lungs.
A machine called a ventilator pumps in air with extra oxygen. Then it helps you breathe out air that’s full of carbon dioxide (CO2). This is called mechanical ventilation. It helps keep your oxygen and CO2 at healthy levels.
The drugs that put you to ‘sleep’ during surgery (general anesthesia) may also hold down your breathing. Intubation lets a machine breathe for you. That’s why your anesthesiologist (the doctor who puts you to sleep for surgery) might intubate you.
Intubation is usually done in emergency situations, such as when you’re unconscious or have an injury that’s quickly getting worse. It may also be necessary if you need emergency surgery that calls for general anesthesia.
The tube has an air bladder that balloons up to seal off your airway from your stomach. Except in rare cases, your doctor will give you drugs to partly or completely knock you out before they put the tube in.
You might get plain oxygen from a mask for 2 or 3 minutes before the procedure starts to raise the level in your blood. You’ll lie faceup, and your doctor will tilt your head slightly back.
Benefits of Intubation
Intubation can help keep your airway open and prevent aspiration (when something enters your airway or lungs). It can also help control carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Risks of Intubation
The risks of intubation include damage to the teeth, throat, or vocal cords. The tube may hurt your throat and voice box, so you could have a sore throat or find it hard to talk and breathe for a time.
The procedure may also cause an infection or pneumonia. Certain things can make these problems more likely, such as eating before the procedure or smoking.
What to Expect After Intubation
You’ll be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) after intubation. The tube will be removed when your doctor determines it’s safe to do so.
You may experience some discomfort, soreness, or swelling in the throat and voice box after the procedure. Follow your doctor’s instructions for managing these symptoms.
Book an appointment with our expert anesthesiologists today by calling +256701364362 or WhatsApping +256779784473 at Michoes Medical Centre, located in Kumi district, Uganda.
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