Written by Zorida Castro, BSN RN
Intubation can be a daunting word when it comes to the care of you or your loved one. This article aims to explain what intubation is and what happens in an intubation in simple language.
What is intubation?
Intubation means having an artificial (not real) airway. Our bodies have a natural windpipe and when that windpipe is compromised, one solution is to use an artificial airway to make sure that someone can breathe and have enough oxygen going to their brain and bodily organs(3).
Why might someone need to be intubated?
There are many reasons why someone might need to be intubated. The most important reason is that their airway (windpipe) and/or breathing is compromised in some way and their vital organs are not getting enough oxygen (2). This can have deadly consequences if action is not taken to reperfuse (get oxygen to) the organs again. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the specific reason for your situation.
How does intubation occur?
During intubation (in a controlled) hospital situation, there are many healthcare professionals around including at least a a provider, a respiratory therapist, and a nurse. The patient will be given a sedative, a temporary paralytic, and pain medication. The provider will use a laryngoscope to see the airway and guide the endotracheal tube (the breathing tube) in the airway and inflate a small balloon to keep it in place. Once in place, the respiratory system will secure the tube so it does not move, and the tube will be connected to a breathing machine (ventilator) (2). The whole healthcare team will ensure that the patient is comfortable through sedation, pain medication, and any other measures prescribed by the provider.
In this article, what intubation is, the process of intubation, and some of the reasons why someone might need to be intubated. Always consult your healthcare team about the specific situation around you or your loved ones' case.
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