Ask a doctor - What are the side effects of intubation?

Q. What are the side effects of intubation?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

When a person needs intubation, it's often because they're in a serious medical situation, like surgery or severe illness, where they can't breathe on their own. Intubation involves putting a tube into the windpipe to help them breathe. While it's a life-saving procedure, it can also bring some side effects, like:

1. Sore Throat and Hoarseness: After being intubated, many people complain of a sore throat. This happens because the tube can irritate the tissues in the throat. Sometimes, the vocal cords can get a bit strained too, causing hoarseness.

2. Difficulty Swallowing: Since the tube goes through the throat, it might make swallowing a bit tricky. This can last for a little while after the tube is removed.

3. Damage to the Teeth and Gums: Occasionally, the process of putting in the tube can accidentally cause some damage to the teeth or gums. It's rare, but it can happen.

4. Infection: Anytime something foreign enters the body, there's a risk of infection. Intubation is no exception. There's a small chance that bacteria could get into the lungs or throat, causing an infection.

5. Lung Complications: Sometimes, the pressure from the ventilator (the machine connected to the tube) can cause damage to the lungs. This is called ventilator-associated lung injury.

6. Nerve Damage: The nerves in the throat and around the vocal cords could be affected by the tube, leading to temporary or sometimes permanent damage. This can cause problems with speaking or swallowing.

7. Tube-related Injuries: Rarely, the tube itself can cause injury to the windpipe or surrounding tissues. This might include irritation, bleeding, or even punctures.

8. Anxiety and Discomfort: Being intubated can be scary and uncomfortable, especially if the person is awake during the procedure. It can cause anxiety and distress, both during and after the process.

It's important to note that while these side effects can happen, they're not guaranteed to occur in every case. Doctors and medical staff take great care to minimize risks and complications during intubation, and they'll monitor the patient closely to manage any issues that arise.